We have all been made aware of the new tuition fee rises coming to the majority of us who live or want to study in England. If you're Scots or Welsh, your Assembly and Parliament will be giving you help via the tax-payer. However, if you are English or studying at an English university, then fees are rising.
First things first for the luckier students: fees are NOT rising in Scotland or Wales for students who stay at 'home' to study. In fact, there is some hope that Welsh students will get their Assembly subsidy both in the home country as well as across the border. However, English students venturing across the Severn have already been told by several Welsh universities that they will pay the 'English' rate.
2025 Tuition Fee Structure
Maximum Annual Fee
Most universities charge this amount
Average Fee
Some institutions charge less
Scottish/Welsh Students
At home institutions
Universities Charging Maximum Fees
The following universities have announced they will be charging the maximum £9,250 in tuition fees. The 'fill your boots' brigade (possibly an unfair nickname) justify the full whack on two grounds: Firstly, the government is cutting their money and they have to make it up. Secondly, if they charge less than their competitors they will be seen as cheaper and automatically of less quality.
Russell Group Universities
- • University of Cambridge
- • University of Oxford
- • Imperial College London
- • King's College London
- • University College London
- • University of Bristol
- • University of Durham
- • University of Exeter
- • University of Leeds
- • University of Manchester
- • University of Newcastle
- • University of Nottingham
- • University of Sheffield
- • University of Southampton
- • University of Warwick
Other Leading Universities
- • University of Bath
- • University of Surrey
- • Loughborough University
- • Lancaster University
- • University of East Anglia
- • University of Essex
- • University of Kent
- • University of Leicester
- • University of Reading
- • University of Sussex
- • Brunel University London
- • City, University of London
- • Goldsmiths, University of London
- • Queen Mary University of London
- • Royal Holloway, University of London
Modern Universities
- • University of Brighton
- • De Montfort University
- • University of East London
- • Edge Hill University
- • University of Hull
- • Keele University
- • University of Lincoln
- • Liverpool John Moores University
- • Middlesex University
- • Oxford Brookes University
- • University of Plymouth
- • University of the West of England
- • University of Central Lancashire
- • University of Chester
- • University of Bradford
Understanding Variable Fees
Not all universities charge the maximum fee. Some institutions have chosen to implement variable pricing based on course demand, facilities required, and employment outcomes. This creates opportunities for cost-conscious students.
Lower Fee Universities
- • University of Cumbria (£8,500-9,000)
- • Newman University (£8,400)
- • University of Suffolk (£8,580)
- • Leeds Trinity University (£8,500)
- • University of Chester (£8,500-9,250)
- • Staffordshire University (£8,500)
- • Teesside University (£8,500)
- • University of Wolverhampton (£8,500)
Course-Based Pricing
High-Demand Courses
Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science - Maximum fees
STEM Subjects
Engineering, Computer Science - £8,500-9,250
Arts & Humanities
English, History, Languages - £8,000-9,000
Foundation Courses
Access and Foundation Years - £6,000-8,000
Total Cost Calculator
3-Year Degree Total Costs (2025)
Tuition Fees Only
Including Living Costs
Money-Saving Tips
- • Consider universities with lower fees but good reputations
- • Look into foundation year options which may cost less
- • Research living costs in different university towns
- • Apply for scholarships and bursaries early
- • Consider studying close to home to reduce accommodation costs
Regional Fee Differences
England
- Domestic: Up to £9,250
- EU/International: £15,000-35,000
- Medicine: £20,000-45,000
Scotland
- Scottish students: £0
- Rest of UK: Up to £9,250
- EU/International: £15,000-30,000
Wales
- Welsh students: Up to £9,000
- Rest of UK: Up to £9,250
- EU/International: £13,000-25,000
Northern Ireland
- NI students: Up to £4,710
- Rest of UK: Up to £9,250
- EU/International: £15,000-25,000
Financial Support Available
Government Support
Tuition Fee Loans
Cover full tuition fees - no upfront payment required
Maintenance Loans
Up to £13,348 (depending on household income and location)
Maintenance Grants
Non-repayable support for students from lower-income families
University Support
Merit Scholarships
Based on academic achievement - up to £5,000 per year
Bursaries
Need-based support - typically £1,000-3,000 per year
Hardship Funds
Emergency financial support for unexpected circumstances
Making an Informed Decision
While the fee structure may seem daunting, it's important to remember that you don't pay upfront, and repayment is income-contingent. Focus on the quality of education, graduate employment rates, and long-term career prospects when choosing your university.
Consider Beyond Just Fees
- • Graduate employment rates
- • Industry connections and placements
- • Teaching quality and student satisfaction
- • Location and living costs
- • Course content and specializations
- • University facilities and resources
Research Before Deciding
- • Compare total costs including living expenses
- • Visit universities and attend open days
- • Speak to current students and graduates
- • Check scholarship and bursary opportunities
- • Consider alternative qualifications like apprenticeships
- • Look at part-time and distance learning options
Key Takeaways
University fees are a significant investment, but they shouldn't be the only factor in your decision. The value of your degree depends on much more than its cost, including the quality of teaching, career support, and opportunities for personal development.