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# University of Suffolk vice-chancellor welcomes fee rise but warns of funding gap
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/university-of-suffolk-vice-chancellor-welcomes-fee-rise-but-warns-of-funding-gap/
- Published: 2024-11-05T08:12:48.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:31:12.000Z
- Description: The £285 increase in tuition fees won't cover universities' rising costs, says the University of Suffolk's leader, as 40% of UK universities predict deficits this year.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Higher Education, #article, University of Suffolk, #Import 2026-03-16 14:46

**The big picture:** Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson announced yesterday that university fees will rise to £9,535 from 2025-26, ending a seven-year freeze. The 3.1% increase is linked to inflation.

**Why it matters:** The University of Suffolk plays a crucial role in training the region's essential workers and contributes an estimated £484m to the local economy, making its financial sustainability vital to not just our town but to the entire region.

![University of Suffolk](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1726833646-university-of-suffolk-changing-world-sign-7.jpg)

University of Suffolk in Ipswich Photo: Oliver Rouane-Williams (Ipswich.co.uk)

**What they're saying:** Professor Jenny Higham, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Suffolk, said the rise was "most welcome, but will not make up the whole deficit from eight years of a fixed undergraduate fee."

”Universities benefit not just individuals but communities and society, bringing social, economic, and cultural benefits,” she added.

**By the numbers:**

- £484m - economic activity generated by the University of Suffolk in East Anglia (2021-22)
- 3,760 - jobs supported by the university in the region
- £9,535 - new annual tuition fee from 2025
- £285 - increase from current fees

Speaking about the increase, Higham said, “While students benefiting from higher education should contribute to the cost, there should also be a level of public funding to maintain these benefits.”

**Between the lines:** The university's significant contribution to training local healthcare workers, teachers and social care staff means any financial pressures could affect vital public services across Suffolk.

**Yes, but:** While tuition fees are increasing, students will also receive increased support through maintenance loans, with caps rising to £10,544 for those living outside London.

**What to watch:** The Department for Education will publish an impact assessment examining how the changes will affect student debt and repayments over time.

**The bottom line:** "UK universities need to be in a position to compete globally and drive their vital economic impact for the benefit of the nation," concludes Professor Higham.

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