Tuition Fees 2027: Fees Rise to £10,050 — What Students Need to Know
University is getting more expensive. Tuition fees 2027 in England will rise to a maximum of £10,050 a year for students studying in 2027/28, up from £9,790 in 2026/27 and £9,535 in 2025/26. After seven years frozen at £9,250, fees are now rising every year — and the government has said future increases should be linked to teaching quality.
Here is what the changes mean for new and current students, how student loans and repayments work, and what support is available.
Tuition Fees 2027: Key Facts
| Academic year | Maximum fee (England, home undergraduates) | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2017/18 – 2024/25 | £9,250 | Frozen |
| 2025/26 | £9,535 | +£285 |
| 2026/27 | £9,790 | +£255 |
| 2027/28 | £10,050 | +£260 |
Do Current Students Pay the Higher Fee?
In most cases, yes. The fee cap applies to each academic year, so universities can charge continuing students the higher amount if their terms and conditions allow it. Many universities have confirmed that home undergraduates will pay the new maximum each year. Check your university’s fees page or your offer terms to see how your fees will change.
Why Are Tuition Fees Going Up?
Several factors are behind tuition fees 2027 rising again.
- University finances: after years of frozen fees, many universities faced deficits, course closures and job cuts.
- Inflation-linked increases: the government has set out plans for fees to rise in line with inflation each year.
- Link to quality: the government has said it wants future rises to depend on teaching quality, so universities that do not meet standards may not be allowed to charge the maximum. Details for 2028/29 onwards have not yet been confirmed.
Will You Have to Pay Upfront?
No. Eligible students can take out a tuition fee loan that covers the full fee and is paid directly to the university. You only start repaying once you have left your course and earn above the repayment threshold. The higher fee will increase the total amount borrowed, but your monthly repayments depend on your income, not on how much you owe. See our guide to student loan repayment thresholds.
Maintenance Loans 2026/27
| Living situation | Maximum maintenance loan 2026/27 (England) |
|---|---|
| Living with parents | £9,118 |
| Living away from home, outside London | £10,830 |
| Living away from home, in London | £14,135 |
Maintenance loans are means-tested, so most students get less than the maximum. The government has said loans will continue to rise with inflation, but student groups warn they are not keeping up with rent and living costs. See our student finance payment dates and Renters’ Rights Act for students guides.
Maintenance Grants Are Coming Back
The government has announced that maintenance grants will return in England from the 2028/29 academic year for students from lower-income households studying courses linked to its priority areas. Full eligibility rules and the list of qualifying courses have not yet been published, so check GOV.UK for updates before you apply.
What About Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?
- Scotland: eligible Scottish students studying at Scottish universities do not pay tuition fees. Students from elsewhere in the UK studying in Scotland pay fees.
- Wales: Welsh fee rises have followed England’s.
- Northern Ireland: NI sets its own lower fee cap for local students at NI universities.
How to Manage the Cost of University
With tuition fees 2027 rising, budgeting matters more than ever.
- Apply for student finance on time so your first payment arrives at the start of term.
- Check university bursaries and scholarships — many offer extra help to lower-income students.
- Budget for rent first — it is usually your biggest cost.
- Use student discounts such as the 16–25 Railcard and student bank account perks.
- Consider part-time work carefully so it does not affect your studies.
- Get advice early from your university’s money advice team if you are struggling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are tuition fees in 2027?
The maximum tuition fee for home undergraduates in England is £10,050 for 2027/28.
How much are tuition fees in 2026/27?
The maximum is £9,790.
Will tuition fees keep rising?
The government has said fees will rise with inflation, and future increases may depend on teaching quality. Details for 2028/29 onwards are yet to be confirmed.
Do I have to pay tuition fees upfront?
No. Eligible students can borrow the full amount through a tuition fee loan and repay it only when they earn over the repayment threshold.
Are international student fees affected?
No. The cap applies to home undergraduates. International students pay fees set by each university.
Bottom Line
Tuition fees 2027 will reach £10,050 a year in England, continuing annual rises after years of frozen fees. You still do not pay upfront, repayments depend on income, and maintenance grants are returning from 2028/29. Check your university’s fee terms and apply for student finance early.
Sources: Save the Student, University of Leeds student fees update, GOV.UK student finance.
