Universities UK Calls for Tuition Fee Hike to Match Inflation

By Jace October 1, 2024
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Universities UK (UUK) has proposed a significant reform plan, urging the UK government to increase tuition fees in line with inflation to support higher education institutions. The proposal, released on 30 September, outlines the need for a new partnership with the government to stabilise university finances and enhance their contribution to the economy.

The report calls for a tuition fee hike to maintain the real-term value of fees and suggests increasing maintenance loans and reintroducing grants for low-income students. It warns that the current 12-year freeze in tuition fees has severely impacted university budgets, with up to 80% of institutions expected to face deficits by 2026-27.

UUK’s blueprint aims to increase higher education participation to 70% of under-25s by 2040, support economic growth, and train more healthcare professionals to meet national demands. “We want to work with the government to make sure universities can continue contributing to economic and social development,” said Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, UUK president.

The report also highlights the UK’s heavy reliance on international student income and recommends a sustainable international student recruitment strategy. Additionally, it advocates for a long-term commitment to the Turing Scheme and re-engagement with the European research framework.

The UK government currently covers just 16% of higher education costs, one of the lowest among developed countries. UUK’s report calls for a rebalanced funding structure and stronger collaboration with businesses and local communities to boost economic growth.

Ministers are reportedly considering raising tuition fees to £10,500 over the next five years, though this would require government approval.

Source: THE PIE NEWS

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