Universities UK, representing 141 institutions, has proposed increasing student tuition fees and government funding to address financial shortfalls. Currently, tuition fees in England and Wales are capped at £9,250, while most Scottish students pay no fees. Average student loan debt in England is about £45,600 for those starting in 2022-23, and £43,700 for 2023-24, compared to £35,780 in Wales. The group suggests that funding per student should reach £12,000-£13,000, though this doesn’t necessarily mean fees will rise to that level. Universities UK’s principal, Prof Dame Sally Mapstone, called for a “reset” in negotiations with the government regarding tuition fees and maintenance loans.
