As the Home Student Officer at Brunel University, I’m deeply concerned about the Government’s recent announcement to raise tuition fees by 3.1%, bringing them up to £9,535 per year starting in 2025/26. This increase, the first in over eight years, will add significantly to the financial burden our students already face, making the prospect of graduating with a mountain of debt feel even more daunting.
While the Government has also announced a 3.1% increase in Student Maintenance Loans and is reintroducing the Maintenance Grant, it’s hard to feel reassured. In real terms, these measures do little to ease the strain on students' finances, especially after years of cuts. Despite promises of more support, the harsh reality is that today’s students can still borrow 9% less in real terms compared to just a few years ago.
Although a 4% increase in maintenance support may sound promising, once inflation is taken into account, it’s only a 1.6% bump. This simply doesn’t keep pace with the cost-of-living crisis students are battling every day. Many are left worrying about how to make ends meet, and these measures don’t offer the meaningful relief they need.
It’s not just about numbers; it’s about students’ well-being and their future prospects. The current funding model feels unsustainable. Raising fees without substantial and realistic increases in support leaves students where they’ve always been: stretched thin, financially stressed, and uncertain about their futures.
As Brunel students, we urge the Government to rethink its approach. We need a funding strategy that is genuinely inclusive and fair—one that doesn’t put higher education out of reach for those who already face significant challenges. Education should be a pathway to opportunity, not a path to financial hardship. We call on policymakers to ensure that university remains accessible, affordable, and sustainably funded for all.
Want to find out more on this matter affecting you? Check out these 3 related articles:
Bridget Phillipson increases fees by 3.1% - Wonkhe
Tuition Fee Rise - NUS
Tuition fee increase - Save the Student