Leaders of Northern Ireland’s five universities and university colleges have proposed a substantial increase in student tuition fees, urging local political leaders to support an annual rise of over £1,000. Tuition fees in Northern Ireland are on the cusp of increasing dramatically. For the 2024/25 academic year these increases are even higher, as they will rise from £4,750 to £5,831. This move will significantly change the economics for students. Further still, it completely ignores the very real crisis that exists in access to higher education—especially for those who are lower-income.
As a first response, university leaders wrote to the leaders of all five of Northern Ireland’s major political parties. They argued that the increase is needed to cover the growing costs of educating students and maintain a competitive postsecondary education system. Over the last ten years tuition fees in Northern Ireland have quadrupled from £3,685 to £9,250. At £9,000 a year this new fee structure will align Northern Ireland’s tuition fees with England and Wales. Students there now pay £9,250, and this is due to increasing to £9,535 next academic year.
Ben Friel, president of the National Union of Students and Union of Students in Ireland (NUS-USI), expressed apprehension regarding the potential implications of such a fee hike. He fretted about the rising costs of living that students are having to deal with. Indeed, almost one out of every five students today relies on food banks to provide for their most basic needs.
“We can’t be putting more burden on students at a time like this.” – Ben Friel
The gap between the cheapest and most expensive tuition by region is astounding. Meanwhile, in the Republic of Ireland, students pay a maximum annual fee of €2,000 (£1,695). Conversely, Scottish students who attend college in Scotland do not pay any tuition fees whatsoever. They have free tuition. This has resulted in about a third of young people from Northern Ireland opting to study outside their home country.
Friel highlighted how the nationwide movement for tuition increases shifts the burden squarely on the shoulders of students. That’s in the context of a funding system that’s already crumbling beneath its weight. He stated, “Education is seen as a burden to the budget at the moment, but it needs to be seen as an investment for our future and our young people.”
At the same time, university leaders sent a detailed Irving letter explaining their immediate need for action. Their goal is to protect the region’s educational and economic future. They argue that more money is needed and that funding problems need to be fixed. Failure to support Northern Ireland’s skills pipeline, research capacity, and innovation-led growth would undermine long-term economic recovery.
“Without urgent intervention, the region’s skills pipeline, research capacity, and innovation-led growth are at serious risk-undermining productivity and long-term economic recovery.” – Letter from university leaders
Increased funding isn’t just important — it’s absolutely essential. Second, we fear that increased tuition costs will dissuade students from working-class and poor families from pursuing a postsecondary education. Friel cautioned that these types of barriers only serve to deepen existing inequities already present in the education system.
Their message to political leaders was unmistakably straightforward. They’re looking for a re-invigorated funding formula that recognizes the distinctive circumstances of Northern Ireland and improves its attractiveness as a place to invest, both in the United Kingdom and overseas.
“We believe that it is time for the funding model to be refreshed so that it continues to reflect Northern Ireland’s distinctive needs.” – Source not specified
Debates over what tuition fees should be in Northern Ireland are currently ongoing. Changes will have a deep and lasting impact on millions of students and families as they make the leap to the higher education frontier.
