University tuition fees in the UK are set to increase for the first time in eight years, The Telegraph reports.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is expected to announce the rise on Monday, aligning tuition fees with Retail Price Index (RPI) inflation.
The change is likely to take effect from September 2025, impacting current A-level students applying to universities.
Fees have remained capped at £9,250 since 2017. While it’s not yet clear which month’s inflation rate Labour will apply, an increase based on the current RPI of 2.7% would push fees to approximately £9,500 next year.
Previous reports speculated that the government might lift fees to as high as £10,500 over the next five years, but no commitments have been made for increases beyond the 2025 academic year, as ministers consider a broader reform of the tuition fee structure.
The increase comes as nearly 40% of universities in England report anticipated deficits this year, facing financial strain exacerbated by a recent drop in international student numbers. Dependence on higher fees from foreign students, who typically pay significantly more than UK students, has kept many institutions afloat; however, recent visa restrictions have led to a 16% decline in applications, threatening the stability of university budgets.
While the higher fees aim to alleviate some financial strain, calls for a more comprehensive overhaul of the funding system continue. The government is also expected to explore adjustments to the tuition fee repayment model to address concerns that escalating student debt disproportionately affects graduates from less advantaged backgrounds.
Phillipson’s announcement will likely present the fee rise as an interim measure and a “first step” toward a deeper re-evaluation of higher education funding. Although Sir Keir Starmer previously pledged to abolish tuition fees, Labour has since moved away from this commitment, citing the challenging financial landscape. Labour’s latest position emphasizes finding fairer ways to fund fees and alleviating pressures on students and universities alike.