‘It’s put us through a lot of mental stress’: Bournemouth University students fear over fees hike

Bournemouth University students have expressed worries about rising tuition fees.

Following the government announcement, UK students will have to pay more for universities from next year due to undergraduate course fees being hiked to £9,535.

This is an increase of £285 on the fees, which have been frozen at a maximum of £9,250 since 2017.

Callum Vellosa, a law student studying at Bournemouth University, told Bournemouth Echo: “From being a child and living at home to moving away for university degrees, having to worry about money at this early age, this is putting a student like me through a lot of mental stress.

“And now, increases in university fees are going to put more pressure on students.”

Callum explained that the higher fees might result in less people applying to study at university: “I do think it disheartens a lot of people. A lot of students are quite upset because they look forward to university. They are going to be more worried about the financial aspect of degrees now.”

According to the government, maintenance loans and tuition fees in England have changed in line with inflation to help ensure financial stability within the university sector.

This change will affect students starting university next year, as well as current students – although universities can have contracts that protect their students from fee hikes part way through a course.

Eleanor Briars, a second year student from Arts University Bournemouth has struggled to find a part-time job to help with high living costs. She said: “I have tried to look for one and there is none. I hope the government sees it’s a massive issue as the fees are going up.”

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Esther Isiah, president of the students’ union at Bournemouth University, said: “For prospective undergraduate students, this could also lead them to question whether university is the best choice when there are other pathways available, potentially leading to a continuous decline of people applying for a place at university.”

A Bournemouth University spokesman has responded to these comments: “The new fee level will apply to new UK undergraduate students from September 2025. Current UK undergraduates at BU will continue to pay £9250 per year.

“We believe our degrees are still good value for money because of the career opportunities and earning potential they offer. In our most recent graduate outcomes survey, 90% of our graduates were in work or further study, 75% of these graduates had gone into highly skilled jobs.

“We do understand the concerns among our students about the cost of living and have a number of measures to help them financially. These include bursaries for those on the lowest incomes, financial support funds students can apply for if they are experiencing difficulties, and affordable meals on campus. We also support students in finding part-time work whilst they study, and can offer flexible work opportunities here, for example through the Students’ Union and BU Student Ambassador opportunities.

“Our student support teams are always available for advice and support to anyone worried about their finances.”

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