Uni tuition fees set to rise for first time since 2017

The freeze on tuition fees is due to expire next year

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is expected to confirm the rise in a statement to MPs this afternoon.

Tuition fees have been capped at £9,250 in England since 2017, but a freeze on fees is due to expire next year.

This means fees will rise with a measure of inflation called RPIX, the BBC reports.

The increase will only affect England, with the devolved governments of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland all setting their nation's fees.

In September, Universities UK said an increase in tuition fees and direct government funding was required to ensure higher education in England "does not slide into decline."

The group, which represents more than 140 institutions, proposed that the increase be linked to inflation.

Universities UK pointed out that if fees had risen in line with inflation, they would now be between "£12,000-£13,000."

Whilst record numbers of UK students began courses in this year, the number of international students has dropped, hitting university finances.

Universities UK said they "lose money teaching UK students," adding that this deficit has "grown year on year."