UK Government Raises University Tuition Fees by £285 Amid Financial Pressures

By Kai November 8, 2024
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In a significant move, the UK government has announced an inflation-linked increase in university tuition fees, raising them by £285 for the first time in eight years. This adjustment brings the annual fees for domestic students to £9,535, up from the previous cap of £9,250 that has been in place since 2017.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson defended the increase in Parliament, emphasising the need to support universities facing mounting financial pressures. “It is no use keeping tuition fees down for future students if the universities are not there for them to attend, nor if students can’t afford to support themselves while they study,” Phillipson said, noting that maintenance loans will also be raised to help students cope with the cost of living. The increased loan support will provide students from the lowest-income families with up to £414 extra annually.

This decision comes after recent analyses from PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Office for Students (OfS) warned that nearly 40% of universities in England could face budget deficits due to rising inflation and capped fees. Experts argue that, without this fee adjustment, the real value of university income would continue to fall sharply below inflation-adjusted levels.

Phillipson emphasised the government’s commitment to sustaining higher education: “This government’s mission is to break down barriers to opportunity… ensuring universities remain on a solid financial foundation to provide growth for our economy.”

The announcement follows Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recent decision to abandon his pledge to abolish tuition fees, with the government choosing to prioritise NHS reforms.

Source: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

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