Part-time students living and studying in Wales will be charged £7,000 pro rata in university tuition fees under new proposals.
The 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 £1767.50.
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.
Mr Andrews said: “These proposals represent a good deal for the Welsh Higher Education sector and a fair solution for Welsh part-time students.
“The ability to charge higher fees for part-time courses will generate additional income for Higher Education Institutions in Wales. At the same time, part-time learners will face no up-front costs in order to access higher education.”
Caerphilly’s Labour AM Jeff Cuthbert has welcomed the move.
He said: “This is great news for part-time students in places like Caerphilly and
the Rhymney Valley. This move will ensure students domiciled in Wales are not priced out of going to university.
“While the Conservatives are determined to shift the financial burden to students, the Welsh Labour Government will give Welsh students the opportunities they deserve.”
The NUS Wales has welcomed the move but said that £7,000 in fees was still too high.