Public fee and support system for students in Europe

England 2013/14 - student fees and grants

Date of publication: 2014

Fees - first cycle (euro): most common/max 11099

Fees - second cycle (euro): most common 4810

Fees - note: All 1st cycle students pay fees

Grants - note: In 2012/13, 40 % of applicants (1st cycle) were awarded a full grant and 14 % a partial grant in 1st cycle

Need-based grant (euro): max 4136

Merit-based grant (euro): -

National student fee

1st cycle full-time – fees are set by institutions but capped at a maximum of GBP 9 000 for institutions with an approved access plan (to safeguard fair access for low income and other under-represented groups) and GBP 6 000 for institutions without an access plan. The average for 2012/13 was GBP 8 385. Students are not required to pay up front and can apply for a loan to cover the full fee. Repayments are income-contingent and made at the rate of 9 % of income above the threshold of GBP 21 000. These fees apply to students from all parts of the UK and from the EU but for students from Wales can be offset by a fee grant from the Welsh Government.

1st cycle part-time – fees are set by institutions but capped at GBP 6 750. Students are not required to pay up front and can apply for a loan to cover the full fee. Repayments as for full-time students.

2nd cycle – fees are unregulated. The ‘most common’ fee (GBP 3 900) represents an indicative amount for doctoral research programmes (which may incorporate masters level study) set by the Research Councils and used as a guide by many institutions. Actual fees charged vary widely, particularly for taught programmes.

1st and 2nd cycle international students – fees are unregulated.

Student grants

1st cycle full-time – the support package includes a need-based grant for living costs. The maximum is GBP 3 354 (for students with a household income of GBP 25 000 or less). In 2012/13, 40 % of applicants were awarded a full grant and 14 % were awarded a partial grant (provisional). Students who are lone parents or who have certain disabilities may be eligible for a special support grant.

1st cycle part-time – grants and loans for living costs are not available.

1st cycle – all institutions charging more than GBP 6 000 must offer National Scholarship Programme (NSP) awards to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Awards include bursaries, fee waivers and 'in-kind' support. Many institutions also offer other bursaries and scholarships aimed at students from under-represented groups.

2nd cycle – with the exception of a few specific disciplines, such as teaching, social work and some health professions, the majority of students following taught programmes are self-financing. There is some support for students on doctoral research programmes (which may incorporate masters level study). The Research Councils set a minimum level for this stipend which for 2013/14 is GBP 13 726 per year.

2nd cycle – around 60 % of students on taught programmes and 30 % of research students do not receive any support towards tuition fees or living costs.

Loans

1st cycle full-time – the support package includes a loan for living costs for all students. The maximum for students living in the family home is GBP 4 375. For students living away from the family home the maximum is GBP 5 500 outside London and GBP 7 675 in London. The amount is reduced for students who receive a need based grant. Repayments as for tuition fee loans.

1st cycle part-time – grants and loans for living costs are not available.1st cycle – all institutions charging more than GBP 6 000 must offer National Scholarship Programme (NSP) awards to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Awards include bursaries, fee waivers and 'in-kind' support. Many institutions also offer other bursaries and scholarships aimed at students from under-represented groups.

2nd cycle – with the exception of a few specific disciplines, such as teaching, social work and some health professions, the majority of students following taught programmes are self-financing. There is some support for students on doctoral research programmes (which may incorporate masters level study). The Research Councils set a minimum level for this stipend which for 2013/14 is GBP 13 726 per year.

2nd cycle – around 60 % of students on taught programmes and 30 % of research students do not receive any support towards tuition fees or living costs.