On Monday 4th November 2024, Education secretary Bridget Phillipson announced that there will be a rise in English university tuition fees from April 2025. The new cost would be £9,535, an increase of £285 per academic year.
What are tuition fees?
Tuition fees are the money paid to be taught at a college or university. These fees cover the costs of a range of services including exams, facilities and tutoring.
In the UK, tuition fees vary depending on the institution, the course, and the student’s nationality.
England & Wales.
- Fees in England and Wales are currently capped at £9,250 per academic year for all students from the UK.
Scotland.
- Universities in Scotland charge the maximum for students from elsewhere in the UK, although for Scottish National students the tuition is free of charge.
Northern Ireland.
- In Northern Ireland, Northern Irish students pay a lower fee of £4,750.
Rest of the World.
- Rates for EU and international students vary, ranging from £11,400 to £38,000 for undergraduates.
While universities don’t have to charge the full amounts, in practice, most of them cannot afford to charge less.
What are the new tuition fees?
Fees in England are set to rise from the 1st April 2025. University fees elsewhere in the UK are decided by devolved governments.
Old fee cap per annum: £9,250
New fee cap per annum: £9,535
Increase per annum: £285
This is the first time in eight years that the fees will rise. The increase is due to match inflation.
How will the new tuition fees effect me?
Most students get their tuition fee paid directly to their university, the loan amount will never reach the student’s bank account, unlike the maintenance loan.
The difference the increase will make is after leaving university. After finishing university, those who have taken out a student loan will not see their monthly student loan repayments increase because of these changes.
For a student loan, the amount you repay each month, if you’re paid monthly, depends on how much you earn over the repayment threshold. So, the more you earn, the more you repay. If your earnings fall below the threshold, you’re not required to pay back anything.
Unlike commercial loans, if you have not repaid your student loan after 40 years, the amount you still owe is automatically cancelled, regardless of how much it is.
What does this fee mean for universities?
Boost: The fee increase will provide a boost of funding to the sector, helping higher education providers handle their financial challenges.
Widen access to university: Universities are being asked to do more to help disadvantaged students reach university and achieve their potential when they get there.
Flexible Learning Options: Universities are being asked to offer more flexible study options and various course types. This flexibility should allow more people to study for a degree. They are also encouraged to help more students move from further education to university.
Help and support.
You can use the government’s online student finance calculator to check if you’re receiving the maximum possible support, and what else you might be entitled to.
More information on UCAS.
Student Finance England – stay on top of your student finances.
UCAS – for advice, information and support during your time at university.
Student Finance Calculator – check if you’re receiving the maximum possible support and what else you may be entitled to.
Student Minds – if you ever feel overwhelmed, help and support if always there for you.
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