Could proposed changes to higher education funding see fewer Manx students taking degree courses at universities in the United Kingdom?

Following consultation, the Department of Education and Children is hoping to get Tynwald's approval to raise the academic standards required for support.

Under the proposals, A level students starting their courses this year would need at least two 'C' grades, or equivalent, to qualify for funding, and those applying for post-graduate financial support would require at least a 2:1 in their degree course.

By the 2013-2014 academic year, people taking courses lasting longer than three years would have to contribute financially from the fourth year onwards.

Retired teacher Margaret Mansfield says it would be a step in the right direction (play audio file):