Welsh Government plans to charge part-time students living and studying in Wales £7,000 pro rata in university tuition fees have been delayed until the start of the 2013 academic year.
Under the plans, first revealed in June, students will be eligible for a non-means-tested loan and grant to cover the fees.
The Welsh Education Minister Leighton Andrews has proposed to set the maximum amount for part-time tuition fees at £7,000 pro rata.
Subject to the Education Bill being passed by the Assembly, students would be eligible for a student loan of £1,732.50 and the Welsh Government would pay the remaining £1,767.50.
The student loan will not have to be repaid until the student is earning, and the fee grant from the Welsh Government is non-repayable.
Consultation on the proposals ended last month.
In a written statement, Mr Andrews said: “Having considered the consultation responses, I have decided to postpone implementation of a revised system for part-time higher education tuition fees and student support until academic year 2013/14. I am keen to use this period to reflect on the changes that we have introduced in Wales during the past twelve months and to analyse more closely the impact that future changes will have on part-time study in Wales.
“In the meantime, I want to continue to encourage part-time study in Wales in line with the aims of For our Future. I can confirm that the existing support package currently available to Welsh domiciled part-time students will remain in place for academic year 2012/2013.”