University fees in England are set to increase next autumn, adding to the annual cost of education for students.
The United Kingdom (UK) Government approved the tuition hike despite the recent decline in international student applications.
This raises concerns about how the increased cost will affect students, families, and universities.
The reason behind the increase in university fees
Starting in October 2025, the annual cost of attending university in England will increase from £9,250 to £9,535, an increase of £285, as per the BBC.
This increase breaks the eight-year freeze on university fees, which were first capped in 2017.
It aims to address the sector’s funding crisis, worsened by years without fee changes and rising costs due to inflation.
UK Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated that the hike would cover expenses such as teacher salaries and supplies, which have been more expensive.
“This government must take the tough decisions needed to put universities on a firmer financial footing,” Philipson told The House of Commons.
This ensures that “they can deliver more opportunity for students and growth for our economy.” she added.
Additionally, the government announced a boost in maintenance loans of up to £414 more per year to help students manage living expenses.
“This government’s mission is to break down barriers to opportunity,” the Education Secretary said.
“We will fix the foundations; we will secure the future of higher education,” Phillipson stressed.
Nearly 40 percent of universities are in deficit, and recent visa policy changes have impacted efforts to enroll more international students.
Declining international student applications
The tuition increase comes as universities in England also see fewer international students applying.
Data from the UK Home Office shows that Student visa applications fell by 16 percent between July and September this year compared to last year.
International students often pay higher tuition fees than local students, making them a significant source of revenue for universities.
A substantial decline in international student enrollment could lead to reduced school funding.
The decrease in international student applications has been attributed mainly to the recent changes in immigration rules.
In 2024, the UK only allowed post-graduate students and those enrolled in courses with government funding to bring family members to the UK.
International students are also prohibited from switching to work visas before finishing their course.
Stricter visa compliance standards are also underway, with students having to meet a higher minimum income requirement starting in 2025.
The government will regulate overseas student recruitment and penalize agents or companies if their recruits fail to pass visa checks or enroll.
These rules are part of a government plan to curb the UK net migration, which hit an all-time high of 764,000 in 2022.
Still, some leaders worry that they may discourage students from choosing UK universities for their studies.
How the increase in university fees impacts students
For students and families, the rise in tuition fees adds to their financial challenges.
University fees in England are already some of the highest in the world, and other living costs like rent, food, and transportation have also increased.
As a result, many students are concerned about taking on more debt to pay for their education.
Many students say their families have already sacrificed for them to attend university, and a tuition hike is a burden they can’t afford.
According to the National Union of Students (NUS), the average student in England spends over £12,000 annually on living costs, not including university fees.
This financial pressure leads some to question whether university is worth the expense.
The NUS report on student finances urged the government to find new ways to support students and make higher education more affordable.
Future of higher education in England
The combination of higher tuition fees and fewer international students raises questions about the future of higher education in England.
Some experts suggest that the government should reconsider its visa policies on international student visas.
Reinstating being able to bring family could help ensure that the UK remains an attractive destination for students worldwide.
Others argue that a new plan is needed to fund universities in a way that doesn’t rely so heavily on students’ tuition payments.
With new university fees in place, many hope for discussions on making the university more affordable and sustainable.
The voices of students, families, and educational leaders will likely play an essential role in shaping these conversations.