Value for money as a student

Fees and other costs

To get a sense of value for money it’s important to know what universities and colleges can charge in tuition fees and the other costs.

Fees

Universities and colleges can charge fees between a lower basic amount and a higher amount. What they charge depends on different factors (see the tables below).

Broadly, they can charge fees between:

  • £6,000 and £9,250 for each year of full-time study
  • £4,500 and £6,935 for part-time students
  • £7,200 and £11,100 for students doing accelerated degrees.

 

Basic fee amount (£) 2023-24 Higher fee amount (£) 2023-24

 

Providers without a TEF award

Providers with a TEF award

Providers without a TEF award

Providers with a TEF award

Full-time students

6,000

6,165

9,000

9,250

Part-time students1

4,500

4,625

6,750

6,935

Sandwich placement year

1,200

1,230

1,800

1,850

Study year abroad

900

920

1,350

1,385

Accelerated degrees

 

Basic fee amount (£) 2023-24 Higher fee amount (£) 2023-24

 

Providers without a TEF award

Providers with a TEF award

Providers without a TEF award

Providers with a TEF award

Full-time students

7,200

7,400

10,800

11,100

Sandwich placement year

1,440

1,475

2,160

2,220

Study year abroad

1,080

1,105

1,620

1,660

Current fee regulations prohibit any institution from charging a part-time student more than £6,935 in an academic year, or £6,750 for providers without a TEF award, regardless of how many credits are taken or the intensity of study. 

Other costs

Under consumer protection law, universities and colleges must give students clear, accurate and timely information about their course.

In the Competition and Markets Authority's view, this should include the total costs of a course, including fees and extra fees such as field trips, lab equipment or studio/bench fees.

Read more about consumer rights for students

How do universities and colleges spend fees?

Any university or college which is registered with the OfS must be transparent about how they deliver value for money.

One way they can do this is by publishing clear information about how they ensure value for money. This might mean that they publish information on their income and expenditure.

Where universities and colleges charge fees at the higher level, they must also develop an 'access and participation plan', which we approve. These plans explain how the university or college will use the extra income to improve equal opportunities.

Published 07 January 2020
Last updated 13 June 2023
13 June 2023
Fees updated for 2023-24
20 December 2021
Fees updated for 2022-23.

Describe your experience of using this website

Improve experience feedback
* *

Thank you for your feedback