Dear Exeter Students,
With the cost of living continuing to rise, it’s clear students shouldn’t have to bear the brunt of funding gaps in Higher Education. Tuition fee increases and limited maintenance loan adjustments aren’t enough to cover the real challenges you’re facing. As your Students’ Guild, we’re here to advocate for you, to call for a fair solution, and keep pushing the government to step up and provide support students need and deserve.
What’s changing and why it matters
From 2025/26, maintenance loans for home undergraduate students from lower socio-economic backgrounds will see an increase of 3.1%, providing an extra £414 per year at most. While this increase aims to offer some relief, we know that it barely scratches the surface of what’s needed to address the real costs. In our recent survey of over 800 students, we found that 29% of students feel financially insecure, spending a monthly average of £722 on basic living expenses (accommodation, bills and food), with 49% of students left with as little as £100 at the end of the month. Of those that are financially insecure, 80% of students reported a negative impact on their mental health and 65% on their ability to socialise.
Home tuition fees, paid directly to the University by Student Finance, will also increase by 3.1%, totalling £9,535 per year. Students won’t feel the impact of this increase right away. Repayments stay the same month-to-month and, unless your loan’s paid off sooner, any remaining balance will be wiped after 40 years.
Let’s be clear – this isn’t a sustainable solution. It’s unfair to ask students to cover the rising educational costs. The government must step in with a stronger, more consistent funding model for Higher Education. Rising costs must be addressed by those in power to ensure you can focus on what truly matters - your education and wellbeing.
Demanding change
We’re working alongside University leaders, MPs, and student groups to demand change. Our recent collaboration with MP Steve Race is just one part of our push for increased government action, grants and funding, because we believe it’s up to the government—not students—to tackle these systemic funding issues.
“The government must do more to make university a financially accessible option for everyone, no matter their background and address the crises students face in cost of living, housing, mental health and more. We will continue to fight, alongside officers from across the country, for the changes students really need and deserve.”
Alex Martin, Guild President
Support and resources
For those facing financial challenges, we’re here to help you. Access our knowledge hub to discover finance and budgeting guidance at https://www.exeterguild.com/kb#Finance. Our Advice team is ready to help connect you to the right services and provide personalised help based on your circumstances, get help at https://www.exeterguild.com/find-support.
If you want to learn more about how these changes may affect you or you would like to sign the National Union for Students’ (NUS) petition to campaign for better student rights visit nus.org.uk.
To all Exeter students, we’re committed to making your voice heard. We believe in an affordable, accessible education, and we’ll keep campaigning until that’s a reality.
Your Students' Guild