Our response to the Higher Education Tuition Fees and Maintenance Loans announcement

We welcome today’s announcement that maintenance loans for home students are increasing. Russell Group Students’ Unions, whose 24 members represent over 700,000 students, have been calling for an increase in the maintenance support available to students and this move will put more money into the pockets of students at a time of rising cost. The increase in maintenance support is a crucial step towards ensuring equality of opportunity in higher education and demonstrates a commitment to supporting the learning of all.

However, we are disappointed by the rise in tuition fees to £9,535 from April 2025. Whilst we agree that universities need more financial support, we do not think this burden should be put on students.

Thousands of the students we represent will face a harsh reality of rising accommodation, food and transport costs. Russell Group Students’ Union research has shown that on average most students are left with only £50 per month after essentials, with many left with less. We believe this rise in fees announced today will put up additional barriers to accessing a university education and discourage those from the most disadvantage backgrounds.

We urge the Government to consult with students and to be ambitious. Tuition fees and the student maintenance package needs to be urgently reviewed in partnership with students and their representative bodies.