UK Students Face Higher Tuition Fees but Increased Maintenance Loans from 2025
Written by Eleanor Tait on 4th November 2024
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has announced that university students in England will pay higher tuition fees while also receiving a boost to maintenance loans starting next year.
For the first time in eight years, tuition fees for undergraduate students will increase, with an additional charge of £285 set for courses in the 2025/2026 academic year. This change means students will pay up to £9,535 annually, an increase from the current cap of £9,250, which has been in place since 2017.
In a statement on Monday, November 4, Phillipson confirmed that maintenance loans would also rise by 3.1% in response to inflation. This adjustment is expected to provide eligible students with up to £414 more per year to help cover living expenses.
Beginning in April 2025, maintenance loans for full-time students will range from a minimum of £3,907 for those living at home to a maximum of £15,008 for students studying in London away from home.
Phillipson emphasized that these adjustments are part of the government’s strategy to secure the “long-term financial stability” of universities, with further significant reforms expected to be announced in the coming months.
Currently, graduates who started their studies from 2023 onwards are required to repay 9% of their income once they earn above £25,000 annually. Any outstanding debt will be written off 40 years after graduation.
Will These Changes Affect You?
Spark wants to hear from you! How do you feel about the rise in tuition fees and maintenance loans? share your thoughts with us here.
