The tripling of tuition fees in 2012 put universities in a strong financial position. But since then, fees – and the maintenance loans that support students – haven’t kept up with inflation. Now, students face real hardship and some universities seem to be in deep financial difficulties.
England’s once world-leading higher education system has become increasingly fragile, with students suffering from real financial hardship, and some universities rumoured to be on the verge of bankruptcy.
The current situation sits in stark contrast to that of 2012, where the tripling of tuition fees to £9,000 per year put universities in a strong financial position. At that time, students were also supported by a generous maintenance loan and grants package. So, where did it all go wrong and what are the potential solutions?
What’s the issue?
The current financial system in higher education – implemented in 2006 – consists of relatively high tuition fees and maintenance loans for student support. The most recent major changes came in 2012, with a near-threefold hike in tuition fees…
