For the first time since 2017, annual tuition fees for undergraduate students in England and Wales have been raised to £9,535.
According to “Tehsil365”, citing the BBC, the increase is linked to growing financial pressures faced by universities, which have been calling for greater support.
Student maintenance loans, which help cover living costs, have also been increased. For example, the maximum loan amount for students living outside London has risen from £10,227 to £10,544. The Department for Education stated that the decision aligns with inflation.
The Office for Students warned in May that over 40% of universities in England could face financial shortfalls by the summer of 2025. Declining numbers of international students and high inflation have significantly impacted university revenues.
In contrast, tuition fees are set differently in Scotland and Northern Ireland. In most cases, Scottish students do not pay tuition fees. In Northern Ireland, local students pay £4,855 annually, while students from other parts of the UK pay £9,535.
Living costs for students have also surged in recent years. Research shows that the average annual rent in university towns increased from £6,520 in the 2021–2022 academic year to £7,475 in 2023–2024. In some cities, the figures are even higher — £9,200 in Bristol and £13,595 in London.
Meanwhile, more than half of students — 68% according to the 2025 student survey — are working extra jobs during holidays to make ends meet. Average monthly additional expenses (including food, transport, study materials, etc.) now reach around £564.
In England, students typically take out loans to cover tuition fees and living expenses. Repayment rules changed in 2023, extending the repayment period, which translates into thousands of pounds in extra costs for graduates from lower- and middle-income families. Currently, the average graduate debt in England stands at around £53,000.