UK Tuition Fees to Rise with Inflation to £9,535 in 2025; Maintenance Loans Boosted

Nov 4, 2024, 02:47 PM

The UK government has announced an increase in university tuition fees in England for the first time since 2017. From September 2025, tuition fees will rise from the current cap of £9,250 to £9,535 per year, a move that aligns with Retail Price Index (RPI) inflation. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson confirmed the increase in a statement to the House of Commons, stating that it will 'secure the future of higher education' and 'won't cost students more each month'. Universities have been calling for a fee increase due to financial strains, citing losses of approximately £4,000 on each domestic student. Alongside the fee hike, maintenance loans for living costs will rise by about 3.1%, providing an extra £414 per year for the poorest students. Additionally, fees for foundation year courses will be reduced to £5,760. The decision has sparked controversy, especially as Prime Minister Keir Starmer had previously pledged to abolish tuition fees.