University of Tokyo Eyes First Tuition Hike in 20 Years Amid Freshers' Week Funding Issues

Sep 17, 2024, 07:38 AM

The University of Tokyo is considering its first tuition hike in 20 years due to declining state grants. This move aligns with a broader trend among universities, including those in the UK, where institutions like York, Cardiff, and Nottingham are cutting budgets. A blueprint for the future of English universities, seen exclusively by BBC Radio 4, suggests linking tuition fees to inflation. Universities UK president Dame Sally Mapstone supports the increase, emphasizing it should not be viewed negatively. Many universities argue that the current funding model is unsustainable and broken, with some institutions demanding more money even from students who fail to meet academic entry standards. The call for higher tuition fees comes as freshers' week begins.