University fees set to increase in line with inflation but Government promises ‘better outcomes’ for students

University tuition fees are set to increase in line with forecasted inflation for the next two academic years, the Government has announced.

However, the Department for Education is promising ‘better outcomes’ for students for it.

Last year was the first year, since 2017, that tuition fees were increased in line with inflation, and now that the Office for Students is forecasting that 43% of institutions will be in deficit without further action to ‘shore up’ their finances, the Government has announced in its ‘landmark’ Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper – published this week – that fees will need to rise again.

To support universities in continuing to deliver world-class teaching and research, tuition fees will rise in line with forecast inflation for the next two academic years.

According to the Department for Education, legislation will then be brought forward, when parliamentary time allows, to enable automatic increases to fee caps in future years in line with inflation – but this will only be institutions that meet tough new quality thresholds set by the Office for Students. 

Where standards are deemed to ‘fall short’, the Office for Students will then act quickly to stop the expansion of low-quality courses and will aim to hold providers to account.

Universities that underperform could face financial and regulatory consequences, the Government has confirmed, as a way of ensuring public money is spent only on courses that deliver for students and the economy overall.

“Young people from all backgrounds feel they have been let down by a system that talks about opportunity but too often fails to deliver it,” commented Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, as the White Paper was published this week.

“Universities charge significant fees for their courses, but if they are going to charge the maximum, it is right that they deliver the world-class education students expect. 

“These reforms will ensure value for money, higher standards across our universities and colleges and a renewed focus on the skills our economy needs.”

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The Government has also said it will also work with universities and local authorities to ensure they offer ‘adequate accommodation’ for their students.

It will also support efforts to drive down the cost of living going forward.

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