UK Government Increases Universities Fees After 8 Years

UK universities were facing a financial crunch and were also fearing the declining number of international students, especially after the graduate route visa debate in the UK. They were demanding an increase in the domestic tuition fees which did not increase in a long time.

The government of the United Kingdom has announced an increase in the tuition fees of UK universities. It was not changed after 2017, and hence it is the first time in eight years the government has announced the inflation-linked fees hike to a record £9,535 ($12,340) per year from April.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has announced the latest increase in the fees. The fees will be increased by £ 285 from the current £9,250 fees.

Phillipson said in the House of Commons on Monday, “We inherited in our universities, as across much of our public sector, the consequences of long years of shameful abdication of responsibility. We will fix the foundations, we will secure the future of higher education,” as reported by Indian Express.

UK Govt Was In High Pressure To Provide Funding To Higher Education Sector

The increase in fees was announced to address the increased pressure of funding to the university sector. The sector is facing a huge funding crisis due to no changes in fees since long. Also, nearly 40% of higher education providers were pushed into deficit. The universities tried enrolling more international students as they paid more fees but the long debate on the Graduate Route Visa by the former government contributed to a decrease in the number of international students.

Moreover, the government announced that maintenance loans would increase to support students in managing their expenses. To help the students from lowest-income families, the maintenance loans will provide up to £414 extra per year.

“This government’s mission is to break down barriers to opportunity, which is why we are doing more to support students struggling with the cost of living despite the fiscal challenges our country faces. The situation we have inherited means this government must take the tough decisions needed to put universities on a firmer financial footing so they can deliver more opportunity for students and growth for our economy,” Phillipson said.

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