What tuition fee rises mean for our students
13 Nov 2024
Important information on tuition fee increases and support available for students
On 4 November, the government announced that tuition fees for undergraduate home students will increase by £285, from £9,250 to £9,535 per year. This is the first rise in over eight years, and it brings some important changes.
Yesterday, we confirmed to students that we have made the decision our tuition fees will rise in line with the cap increase, meaning both new and current undergraduate home students will pay the increased fees from September 2025 (subject to parliamentary approval).
In the statement to students, President and Vice Chancellor, Duncan Ivison said: “While I know that this will not feel like good news, I still firmly believe that your university education remains one of the most valuable investments you will make in your future. All the evidence shows that it provides you with the best foundation upon which to build your future, both in work and life, and your earning potential increases with your level of learning. And of course, it will be up to us to ensure that you have the kind of university experience that helps you achieve the dreams and ambitions you have for that future.”
International students will be unaffected by these changes.
Why have fees increased?
For many years, tuition fees have been capped at the same level, even as the costs of providing a high-quality education have risen with inflation. This has created a gap that has become increasingly challenging for universities to manage. Institutions across the sector rely on this funding to invest in the resources and facilities that enhance student experiences, and, in some cases, to maintain financial stability. Earlier this year, the higher education regulator, the Office for Students, expressed concern about the financial pressures on universities, with a number facing the risk of running budget deficits and needing additional support.
Alongside the tuition fee increase, maintenance loans for English students will also rise by 3.1%. As a University, and together with our Students’ Union,we’ve lobbied the government for this support and welcome the move to align the rise in fees and loans.
Maintenance Loans for Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish students are processed through a different system, and there has not yet been an announcement that loans for these students will be increased. For the most up to date information, please see Student Awards Agency Scotland, Student Finance Northern Ireland, and Student Finance Wales for more information.
What additional support is there from the University?
In partnership with the Students’ Union, we have recently boosted our financial support packages, including providing nearly 20% more scholarships and bursaries in an additional investment of £2.5m per year, benefitting 1,000 more students. From September this year, we increased the Manchester Bursary from £2,000 to £2,600 and £1,000 to £1,300 respectively. Although the government has not raised household income thresholds, we recognise the impact of inflation on family finances, and so from September 2025 we’re broadening our criteria so that many more students will be eligible to receive our bursary. We will be providing more detail on our enhanced support in the coming weeks.
Support and funding opportunities for students: