Students could face fees of £10,500 by 2029 under government plans to bolster struggling universities. 

University tuition fees in England and Wales are set to rise with inflation, reaching up to £10,500 within five years, under new government plans to address the financial woes of the higher education sector.  

The move, which would mark the first increase since 2017, has sparked concerns about affordability for students already facing a cost of living crisis. 

The new Labour government, having inherited a system described by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson as the “worst of all worlds”, is grappling with the long-term impact of frozen tuition fees. With the current £9,250 fee failing to keep pace with inflation, universities have seen their income steadily eroded, with the current rate worth just over £6,000 in real terms in 2024. 

To mitigate the impact on the poorest students, government ministers are considering reintroducing maintenance grants, which were scrapped by the Conservatives in 2016. These grants (which do not have to be re-paid), previously worth up to £3,500, could offer vital financial support to those from low-income backgrounds. 

The proposals, currently under discussion between ministers, would see fees rise by 13.5% over the next five years. Any final decision will require approval from Chancellor Rachel Reeves, with an announcement expected before the government’s spending review in April next year. 

Asked to comment on the situation, UEA’s Vice-Chancellor Prof David Maguire told Concrete: “On 30 September, Universities UK launched their blueprint for change, in its report ‘Opportunity, growth and partnership’. It calls for the UK government to stabilise the sector’s finances and increase direct public funding in England so the cost of University is balanced towards government instead of students. The report will inform discussions with Government. The Secretary of state has also said that she recognises that the value of fees has fallen over recent years which places great pressure on Universities and while there has been no policy announcement from Government on this yet – this is a debate that is long overdue. I’ve said that fees need to be index linked to inflation and of course there should also be support for students less able to pay.” 

Rebekah Temple-Fielder, UEA SU Officer for Undergraduate Education reflected: 

“In my opinion it is evident that the current funding structure for universities is not sustainable, however it is a shame to see that the costs to rectify the problems are rumoured to be put onto students as opposed to the government re-evaluating the current structure.” 

Nathan Wyatt, Welfare, Community and Diversity Officer at UEA SU adds, “It is a shame that, despite a change in party, the government remains as anti-student as it always has been. It is terrible that students will be forced to bear the burden of these costs. We need a system that isn’t reliant on tuition fees, and we need it now.” 

As the government weighs its options, students face the prospect of increased debt  

START HERE and uncertainty about the future of their education. The reintroduction of maintenance grants may offer some relief, but the long-term sustainability of the higher education sector hinges on finding a solution that balances the needs of students, universities, and the public purse. 

Regarding UEA’s current financial situation, VC Maguire told Concrete:  

“The initial picture shows that in our recruitment this year we have been as successful as last year across many areas and have held our own against very strong competition from highly selective universities in a very competitive round.  

“As expected and in line with the position across the sector, we have seen a significant reduction in international students at Masters’ level due to changes in visa requirements and costs. 

“Although the final picture will evolve, it appears that we will need to control expenditure carefully in the next academic year in order to meet our projected financial plan. We will keep all in our community – including our students – updated as plans progress.” 

If you or anyone you know has any concerns or questions about your personal finances, you can access advice via The Student Information Zone (SIZ) in The Street or contact AdviceSU online or in person at the SU offices (top floor of The Hive). 

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