The UK government has raised tuition fees to £9,535, a move that will push even more students into deeper debt while they already face an unprecedented cost of living crisis. This increase in tuition fees comes at a time when students are struggling to make ends meet, with 14% using foodbanks, 55% cutting back on food, and 13% experiencing homelessness. Despite these severe hardships, the government’s response has been insufficient.
In September, maintenance loans will rise by just 3.1%, which does little to ease the financial burden on students. In fact, many students are left with only 50p a month after paying rent and bills—a clear indication that the current system is failing. While the government’s response is minimal, the need for maintenance grants has never been clearer.
Why This is Unfair for Students
The decision to raise tuition fees disproportionately affects students from disadvantaged backgrounds, who are already the most likely to struggle with the cost of university. These students often have to take out large loans to cover the increased costs of education, which only adds to the mounting debt they graduate with. For those who don’t qualify for loans at all, the situation is even worse. They face an uphill battle just to access higher education, and this tuition fee increase will make it even harder for them to pursue their dreams.
It’s simply unfair to expect students to shoulder more debt while they’re already going hungry, facing housing insecurity, and struggling to make ends meet. The working-class young people who need university the most are the ones who will be put off by these changes. Education should be a ladder out of poverty, not a trap that keeps them stuck in a cycle of debt and hardship.
The Need for Change
Instead of raising tuition fees, the government should focus on providing students with the support they need to thrive. That support should include:
- Increasing maintenance support, but most importantly, this needs to come in the form of grants, not loans, so students don’t graduate with a mountain of debt.
- Tackling the rising cost of living for students by addressing rent prices, food insecurity, and the overall affordability of education.
The government must rethink its priorities and stop loading more debt onto students. We need more support, not higher fees.
What You Can Do
Join the call to action. Send a message to the government demanding that they prioritize student well-being over increasing tuition fees. Stand with students who are struggling to survive and make their voices heard—students deserve better.
How to Take Action:
- Sign petitions calling for the reintroduction of maintenance grants.
- Contact your local MP and let them know how these changes are affecting you and your peers.
- Raise awareness on social media by sharing your story or showing solidarity with the student community.
Together, we can fight for a future where higher education is accessible to all, without leaving students buried in debt or struggling to survive. Students need more support, not higher fees.
References:
- The National Union of Students on Student Debt – Information on student debt, food insecurity, and financial challenges.
- Student Loan and Maintenance Loan Updates – Official government information on tuition fees, maintenance loans, and eligibility.
- The Student Cost of Living Crisis – Report on the increasing use of foodbanks and the student living crisis.
