But what are the higher education funding changes planned and how would they affect students ?

What do the announcements by UK Education Secretary Charles Clarke and Welsh Assembly Education Minister Jane Davidson mean for Wales?

Mr Clarke's White Paper refers to universities in England only but will apply to students from Wales studying there.

He said that the issue with Wales was complicated and discussions are continuing about the pros and cons.

Although the details are still being worked out, Welsh Secretary Peter Hain said there were "compelling reasons" to make the change, with a logic as the Assembly already funds universities in Wales and with student funding being made part of the funding institutions.

How much money is involved?

We don't know yet.

But Jane Davidson said she would look to the Treasury to fund any changes.

There would be concern otherwise that the money would have to be found from another part of the Assembly budget.

As far as students are concerned, universities in England will be allowed to charge between zero and �3,000 a year in tuition fees.

The fees will be paid after the students have graduated.

Does this mean the Welsh Assembly has more powers than previously?

It would be one of the biggest transfers of powers from Westminster to the Assembly yet.

If and when powers are transferred to Wales, it seems certain that "top up fees" will not be used as Jane Davidson is against them.

Regarding paying fees at the end of the course, although the White Paper doesn't mention Wales, it would seem this may eventually apply to Wales.

Does this mean more people may choose to study in Wales than in England?

Absolutely, Wales could have an added attraction.

At the moment there are 24,000 students from England studying in Wales - and it could be a cheaper option.

Incidentally, there are nearly 48,000 Welsh students and 27,000 already study in Wales - with just over 18,200 at colleges in England.

Do these reforms mean it will be easier for young people from poorer backgrounds in Wales to reach higher education?

Possibly, although there's still concern from student leaders and some college principals that graduates will still be left with debts after they finish their degrees and any increase will only deter students.

Those from the very poorest backgrounds - with parental income of less than �5,000 a year, already get assistance from grants of up to �1,500 a year announced in Wales following the Rees report into student finance.