Brussels’ push for cheaper fees for European Union students at UK universities could prove to be one of the first major tests of Andy Burnham’s fledgling premiership, with institutions dead set against the idea, warning that it could cost them hundreds of millions of pounds.
The prime minister is expected to meet EU leaders at a UK-EU summit this autumn. Student fees and a proposed youth mobility scheme, which would allow young people to spend a limited period in the UK or EU to work, study or travel, are among the issues already under negotiation ahead of the summit.
Since Brexit, EU students have generally paid international tuition fees at UK universities after losing their entitlement to domestic fee status, which is capped at £9,790 in the 2026-27 academic year. Burnham is open to lowering fees if the bloc offers significant concessions on trade, according to reports.
The Russell Group, which represents 24 leading public research universities in the UK, has warned that restoring “home fees” could cost the sector more than £500 million a year.
“The UK university sector benefits greatly from a positive and productive relationship with the EU. We want to see closer ties that encourage student and staff mobility and valuable research collaborations,” said Hollie Chandler, director of strategic policy at the group.
