Higher education in Britain has experienced a dramatic expansion. One in three young people now enters higher education compared with one in six in 1989. The number of postgraduates also has increased tremendously. There are some 90 universities in Britain which offer courses in a wide range of subjects, including traditional arts subjects as well as science and technology. Over 95% of students on first degree and other comparable higher education courses receive government awards covering tuition fees and a maintenance grant. Parents also contribute, the amount depending on their income. Students from other countries also come to britain to study but overseas students have to say very high tuition fees, nearly three times more than local students do. Nevertheless, over 500000 overseas students attend publicly funded higher and further education institutions in Britain.
