Changes to maintenance loans and tuition fees from 2025

Maintenance loans and tuition fees in England are changing in line with inflation from September 2025.

The changes, detailed in this gov.uk blog, mean that the maximum tuition fee that universities can charge for undergraduate students starting or continuing full time and part time courses in the 2025 to 2026 academic year will increase by 3.1%. At York St John University, the maximum tuition fee will be £9,535 in September 2025 – an increase of £285.

Alongside this, the amount of money you can access to support your living costs will also go up by 3.1%.  The maximum maintenance loan increase will be:

• £267 for students living at home, making the maintenance loan £8,877 yearly.
• £414 for students living away from home and studying in London, making the maintenance loan £13,762 yearly.
• £317 for students living away from home and studying outside London, making the maintenance loan £10,544 yearly.

The new tuition fee and maintenance loan rates will apply to new students and those who are continuing their studies.

Why are these changes happening?

The government recognises that students are increasingly affected by the rising costs of living and has raised maintenance loans to help you with your living expenses as a full time student.

The government has also made the decision to increase the tuition fee cap to help universities cover the cost of providing education. Fees have not been increased in 7 years, which means they have not kept in line with inflation.

What will this mean for repaying my student loan?

Under the current system, once you earn more than £25,000 a year, you pay back 9% of whatever you earn over that amount. That will stay the same, even with tuition fees increasing.

What does my tuition fee pay for?

At York St John University, all essential elements of course provision are covered by your tuition fee. This includes the staff that teach your course, technical and support staff, learning materials, use of specialist software and access to facilities and equipment.

Your tuition fee also enables us to provide wide-ranging support services, facilities and resources including wellbeing and welfare support and careers and placement opportunities.

What financial support is available for York St John students?

Our Student Funding Advice team provides a wide range of independent and confidential advice and guidance, including government funding, scholarships, and resources available to support you while you study. Find out more about funding, scholarships and our YSJ Student Support Fund.