Written statement (Wales) on Tuition fee limits for higher education students for the 2026/27 academic year - Nov 28

Vikki Howells MS, Minister for Further and Higher Education: Last month, I announced the Welsh Government's intention to increase the full-time undergraduate tuition fee cap for the 2026/27 academic year. I am of the view that the same increases announced by the UK Government are appropriate for Wales, while the tuition fee caps for the 2027/28 academic year will be considered in the next Senedd term.  

I can now confirm I am proposing that the tuition fee limit will increase by 2.71% from £9,535 to £9,790 for courses beginning on or after 1 August 2026, subject to the usual regulatory processes. This is the maximum that regulated providers can charge to certain students on certain full-time undergraduate courses in Wales and is the same level that will be charged in England. 

The increase in tuition fees will provide an estimated £19 million additional income to Welsh institutions at a difficult time in the sector's history and help to safeguard provision and investment in the student experience. 

The maximum tuition fee loan will increase to £9,790 for students ordinarily resident in Wales who study in Wales or England, and for certain others who study in Wales. For courses specifically designated by Welsh Ministers, the maximum tuition fee loan will increase to £6,525 for students ordinarily resident in Wales. This continues our longstanding policy of no student having to pay their tuition fees upfront. 

I want to reemphasise that increases in tuition fees should not deter anyone in Wales from applying to university. They do not affect the upfront costs of university for students, nor do they increase monthly loan repayments after graduation. Students should speak to their higher education provider if they have questions about fees.