Tuition fees in England and Wales rise to £9,535

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The cost of tuition fees for undergraduate degrees in England and Wales has increased to £9,535 per year, with maintenance loans also rising to help students cover living expenses. This marks the first tuition fee increase in England since 2017, as universities have been advocating for more financial support. The government has indicated that long-term funding plans will be outlined at a later date.

In England and Wales, undergraduate tuition fees have gone up by £285, representing a 3% increase. Additionally, students can now borrow more to address their day-to-day costs. The Department for Education (DfE) in England announced these fee hikes in November 2024, citing alignment with inflation as the reason. Concerns over funding pressures led to the increase, as universities were facing financial challenges exacerbated by high inflation and a decline in international student enrollment.

It is essential to note that Northern Ireland and Scotland have their own fee structures, with Northern Irish students paying a maximum of £4,855 annually for undergraduate degrees while other UK students are charged £9,535. In Scotland, most Scottish students receive free undergraduate tuition, with other UK students required to pay the same amount. Student accommodation costs across the UK have been on the rise, particularly in cities like Nottingham and Bristol where expenses are substantially higher.

Students in England are grappling with the financial burden of rental costs, as maintenance loans often barely cover average rent. Without family support or part-time employment, students may find themselves struggling to make ends meet after paying for housing. The changing landscape of student loans in England has raised concerns about increased repayments for graduates, with the average debt for those becoming liable for repayment in April 2025 standing at £53,000

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More

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