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The Higher Education (Fee Limits and Fee Limit Condition) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2026

Draft. This instrument was laid in draft and may differ from the one made. Look for the made version under its title.

Draft 2026, ISBN 9780348279184

Original text. legislation.gov.uk does not revise statutory instruments, so later amendments are not shown here. Changes made to it are listed under each provision when known.

This draft Statutory Instrument supersedes the draft of the same title which was laid before Parliament and published on 21st January 2026 (ISBN 978-0-348-27870-5). It is being issued free of charge to all known recipients of that draft Statutory Instrument.

Draft Regulations laid before Parliament under section 119(2)(i) of the Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (c. 29), for approval by resolution of each House of Parliament.

EDUCATION, ENGLAND

Made ***

Coming into force 21st March 2026

The Secretary of State makes these Regulations in exercise of the powers conferred by section 119 (5) (a) and (b) of, and paragraphs 2 (5), 2 (11), 3 (4), 3 (10) and 4 (1) of Schedule 2 to the Higher Education and Research Act 2017f1.

In accordance with paragraph 5 (2) (a) of Schedule 2 to that Act the Secretary of State is satisfied that the increases to the higher amounts are no greater than are required to maintain the value of those amounts in real terms.

In accordance with paragraph 5 (3) of Schedule 2 to that Act the Secretary of State has had regard to the index of prices specified in regulations treated as made by the Secretary of State under that sub-paragraph.f2

In accordance with section 119 (2) (i) of that Act, a draft of this instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.

Annotations to the whole text

Footnotes

f1

2017 c. 29; see paragraphs 2(13) and 3(12) of Schedule 2 to this Act which define “prescribed” as prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State.

f2

The index of prices to which the Secretary of State has had regard is specified in S.I. 2006/507, which was made under section 26 (3) of the Higher Education Act 2004 (c. 8), the predecessor to paragraph 5 (3) of Schedule 2 to the Higher Education and Research Act 2017.

Contents

  1. Part 1: Introductory
  2. 1Citation, commencement and extent
  3. Part 2: Amendment of the Higher Education (Fee Limits and Fee Limit Condition) (England) Regulations 2018
  4. 2Amendment to the Higher Education (Fee Limits and Fee Limit Condition) (England) Regulations 2018
  5. 3Amendment to regulation 4 (higher, basic and floor amounts: general)
  6. 4Amendment to regulation 5 (higher and floor amounts from 1st August 2019 or 1st August 2025: general)
  7. 5Amendment to regulation 6 (higher and floor amounts for specified cases from 1st August 2019 or 1st August 2025)
  8. 6Amendment to regulation 7 (higher and floor amounts for part-time courses from 1st August 2019 or 1st August 2025)
  9. 7Amendment to regulation 8 (basic and floor amounts from 1st August 2019 or 1st August 2025)
  10. 8Amendment to regulation 9 (basic and floor amounts for specified cases from 1st August 2019)
  11. 9Amendment to regulation 10 (basic and floor amounts for part-time courses from 1st August 2019 or 1st August 2025)
  12. Part 3: Amendment of The Higher Education (Fee Limits for Accelerated Courses) (England) Regulations 2019
  13. 10Amendment to The Higher Education (Fee Limits for Accelerated Courses) (England) Regulations 2019
  14. 11Amendment to regulation 4 (higher, basic and floor amounts in the case of accelerated courses: general)
  15. 12Amendment to regulation 5 (higher and floor amounts: general)
  16. 13Amendment to regulation 6 (higher and floor amounts for specified cases)
  17. 14Amendment to regulation 7 (basic and floor amounts: general)
  18. 15Amendment to regulation 8 (basic and floor amounts for specified cases)
  19. Signature
  20. Explanatory note

1Citation, commencement and extent

(1)

These Regulations may be cited as the Higher Education (Fee Limits and Fee Limit Condition) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2026.

(2)

These Regulations come into force on 21st March 2026.

(3)

These Regulations extend to England and Wales.

2Amendment to the Higher Education (Fee Limits and Fee Limit Condition) (England) Regulations 2018

The Higher Education (Fee Limits and Fee Limit Condition) (England) Regulations 2018f1 are amended in accordance with regulations 3 to 9.

3Amendment to regulation 4 (higher, basic and floor amounts: general)

After paragraph (2) of regulation 4, insert—

“(3)

The amounts prescribed by these Regulations apply in respect of courses which begin on or before 31 December 2026.”.

4Amendment to regulation 5 (higher and floor amounts from 1st August 2019 or 1st August 2025: general)

In regulation 5—

(a)

in the heading, for “1st August 2019 or 1st August 2025” substitute “1st August 2019, 1st August 2025, 1st August 2026 or 1st August 2027”;

(b)

in paragraph (2), after “2025” insert “but before 1st August 2026”;

(c)

after paragraph (2), insert—

“(3)

Except as otherwise provided in regulations 6, 6B, 7, 7A and 11, where the academic year of the course begins on or after 1st August 2026 but before 1st August 2027—

(a)

the higher amount is £9,790;

(b)

the floor amount in respect of that higher amount is £9,525.

(4)

Except as otherwise provided in regulations 6, 6B, 7, 7A and 11, where the academic year of the course begins on or after 1st August 2027—

(a)

the higher amount is £10,050;

(b)

the floor amount in respect of that higher amount is £9,780.”.

5Amendment to regulation 6 (higher and floor amounts for specified cases from 1st August 2019 or 1st August 2025)

In regulation 6—

(a)

in the heading, for “1st August 2019 or 1st August 2025” substitute “1st August 2019, 1st August 2025, 1st August 2026 or 1st August 2027”;

(b)

in paragraph (1)(a)—

(i)

in paragraph (ii), after “2025,” insert “but before 1st August 2026,”;

(ii)

after paragraph (ii), insert a semicolon and—

“(iii)

where the academic year begins on or after 1st August 2026, but before 1st August 2027, £4,895;

(iv)

where the academic year begins on or after 1st August 2027, £5,025”;

(c)

in paragraph (1)(b)—

(i)

in paragraph (ii), after “2025,” insert “but before 1st August 2026,”;

(ii)

after paragraph (ii), insert a semicolon and—

“(iii)

where the academic year begins on or after 1st August 2026, but before 1st August 2027, £4,760;

(iv)

where the academic year begins on or after 1st August 2027, £4,890”;

(d)

in paragraph (3)(a)—

(i)

in paragraph (ii), after “2025,” insert “but before 1st August 2026,”;

(ii)

after paragraph (ii), insert a semicolon and—

“(iii)

where the academic year begins on or after 1st August 2026, but before 1st August 2027, £1,955;

(iv)

where the academic year begins on or after 1st August 2027, £2,010”;

(e)

in paragraph (3)(b)—

(i)

in paragraph (ii), after “2025,” insert “but before 1st August 2026,”;

(ii)

after paragraph (ii), insert a semicolon and—

“(iii)

where the academic year begins on or after 1st August 2026, but before 1st August 2027, £1,905;

(iv)

where the academic year begins on or after 1st August 2027, £1,955”;

(f)

in paragraph 4(a)—

(i)

in paragraph (ii), after “2025,” insert “but before 1st August 2026”;

(ii)

after paragraph (ii), insert a semicolon and—

“(iii)

where the academic year begins on or after 1st August 2026, but before 1st August 2027, £1,465;

(iv)

where the academic year begins on or after 1st August 2027, £1,505”;

(g)

in paragraph 4(b)—

(i)

in paragraph (ii), after “2025,” insert “but before 1st August 2026”;

(ii)

after paragraph (ii), insert a semicolon and—

“(iii)

where the academic year begins on or after 1st August 2026, but before 1st August 2027, £1,425;

(iv)

where the academic year begins on or after 1st August 2027, £1,465”.

(h)

in paragraph 6(a)—

(i)

in paragraph (ii), after “2025,” insert “but before 1st August 2026,”;

(ii)

after paragraph (ii), insert a semicolon and—

“(iii)

where the academic year begins on or after 1st August 2026, but before 1st August 2027, £1,465;

(iv)

where the academic year begins on or after 1st August 2027, £1,505”;

(i)

in paragraph 6(b)—

(i)

in paragraph (ii), after “2025,” insert “but before 1st August 2026,”;

(ii)

after paragraph (ii), insert a semicolon and—

“(iii)

where the academic year begins on or after 1st August 2026, but before 1st August 2027, £1,425;

(iv)

where the academic year begins on or after 1st August 2027, £1,465”.

6Amendment to regulation 7 (higher and floor amounts for part-time courses from 1st August 2019 or 1st August 2025)

In regulation 7—

(a)

in the heading, for “1st August 2019 or 1st August 2025” substitute “1st August 2019, 1st August 2025, 1st August 2026 or 1st August 2027”;

(b)

in paragraph (2), after “2025,” insert “but before 1st August 2026,”;

(c)

after paragraph (2), insert—

“(3)

For any part-time course where the academic year begins on or after 1st August 2026, but before 1st August 2027, with the exception of any part of that course to which regulation 7A applies—

(a)

the higher amount is £7,335;

(b)

the floor amount in respect of that higher amount is £7,140.

(4)

For any part-time course where the academic year begins on or after 1st August 2027, with the exception of any part of that course to which regulation 7A applies—

(a)

the higher amount is £7,530;

(b)

the floor amount in respect of that higher amount is £7,330.”.

7Amendment to regulation 8 (basic and floor amounts from 1st August 2019 or 1st August 2025)

In regulation 8—

(a)

in the heading, for “1st August 2019 or 1st August 2025” substitute “1st August 2019, 1st August 2025, 1st August 2026 or 1st August 2027”;

(b)

in paragraph (2), for “2025” substitute “2025, but before 1st August 2026”;

(c)

after paragraph (2), insert—

“(3)

Except as otherwise provided in regulations 9, 9B, 10, 10A and 11, where the academic year of the course begins on or after 1st August 2026, but before 1st August 2027—

(a)

the basic amount is £6,525;

(b)

the floor amount in respect of that basic amount is £6,350.

(4)

Except as otherwise provided in regulations 9, 9B, 10, 10A and 11, where the academic year of the course begins on or after 1st August 2027—

(a)

the basic amount is £6,695;

(b)

the floor amount in respect of that basic amount is £6,520.”.

8Amendment to regulation 9 (basic and floor amounts for specified cases from 1st August 2019)

In regulation 9—

(a)

in the heading, for “1st August 2019” substitute “1st August 2019, 1st August 2025, 1st August 2026 or 1st August 2027”;

(b)

in paragraph (1)(a)—

(i)

in paragraph (ii) after “2025,” insert “but before 1st August 2026,”;

(ii)

after paragraph (ii), insert a semicolon and—

“(iii)

where the academic year begins on or after 1st August 2026, but before 1st August 2027, £3,260;

(iv)

where the academic year begins on or after 1st August 2027, £3,345”;

(c)

in paragraph (1)(b)—

(i)

in paragraph (ii) after “2025,” insert “but before 1st August 2026,”;

(ii)

after paragraph (ii), insert a semicolon and—

“(iii)

where the academic year begins on or after 1st August 2026, but before 1st August 2027, £3,175;

(iv)

where the academic year begins on or after 1st August 2027, £3,260”.

(d)

in paragraph (3)(a)—

(i)

in paragraph (ii), after “2025,” insert “but before 1st August 2026,”;

(ii)

after paragraph (ii), insert a semicolon and—

“(iii)

where the academic year begins on or after 1st August 2026, but before 1st August 2027, £1,305;

(iv)

where the academic year begins on or after 1st August 2027, £1,335”;

(e)

in paragraph (3)(b)—

(i)

in paragraph (ii), after “2025,” insert “but before 1st August 2026,”;

(ii)

after paragraph (ii), insert a semicolon and—

“(iii)

where the academic year begins on or after 1st August 2026, but before 1st August 2027, £1,270;

(iv)

where the academic year begins on or after 1st August 2027, £1,300”.

(f)

in paragraph (4)(a)—

(i)

in paragraph (ii), after “2025,” insert “but before 1st August 2026,”;

(ii)

after paragraph (ii), insert a semicolon and—

“(iii)

where the academic year begins on or after 1st August 2026, but before 1st August 2027, £975;

(iv)

where the academic year begins on or after 1st August 2027, £1,000”;

(g)

in paragraph (4)(b)—

(i)

in paragraph (ii), after “2025,” insert “but before 1st August 2026”;

(ii)

after paragraph (ii), insert a semicolon and—

“(iii)

where the academic year begins on or after 1st August 2026, but before 1st August 2027, £950;

(iv)

where the academic year begins on or after 1st August 2027, £975”;

(h)

in paragraph (6)(a)—

(i)

in paragraph (ii), after “2025,” insert “but before 1st August 2026,”;

(ii)

after paragraph (ii), insert a semicolon and—

“(iii)

where the academic year begins on or after 1st August 2026 but before 1st August 2027, £975;

(iv)

where the academic year begins on or after 1st August 2027, £1,000”;

(i)

in paragraph (6)(b)—

(i)

in paragraph (ii), after “2025” insert “but before 1st August 2026”;

(ii)

after paragraph (ii), insert a semicolon and—

“(iii)

where the academic year begins on or after 1st August 2026 but before 1st August 2027, £950;

(iv)

where the academic year begins on or after 1st August 2027, £975”.

9Amendment to regulation 10 (basic and floor amounts for part-time courses from 1st August 2019 or 1st August 2025)

In regulation 10—

(a)

in the heading, for “1st August 2019 or 1st August 2025” substitute “1st August 2019, 1st August 2025, 1st August 2026 or 1st August 2027”;

(b)

in paragraph (2), after “2025,” insert “but before 1st August 2026,”;

(c)

after paragraph (2) insert—

“(3)

For any part-time course where the academic year begins on or after 1st August 2026, but before 1st August 2027, with the exception of any part of that course to which regulation 10A applies—

(a)

the basic amount is £4,890;

(b)

the floor amount in respect of that basic amount is £4,760.

(4)

For any part-time course where the academic year begins on or after 1st August 2027, with the exception of any part of that course to which regulation 10A applies—

(a)

the basic amount is £5,020;

(b)

the floor amount in respect of that basic amount is £4,885.”.

10Amendment to The Higher Education (Fee Limits for Accelerated Courses) (England) Regulations 2019

The Higher Education (Fee Limits for Accelerated Courses) (England) Regulations 2019f1 are amended in accordance with regulations 11 to 15.

11Amendment to regulation 4 (higher, basic and floor amounts in the case of accelerated courses: general)

After paragraph (2) of regulation 4, insert—

“(3)

The amounts prescribed by these Regulations apply in respect of courses which begin on or before 31 December 2026.”.

12Amendment to regulation 5 (higher and floor amounts: general)

In regulation 5—

(a)

in paragraph (2), for “2025” substitute “2025, but before 1st August 2026”;

(b)

after paragraph (2), insert—

“(3)

Except as otherwise provided in regulation 6, where the academic year of the course begins on or after 1st August 2026, but before 1st August 2027—

(a)

the higher amount is £11,750;

(b)

the floor amount in respect of that higher amount is £11,430.

(4)

Except as otherwise provided in regulation 6, where the academic year of the course begins on or after 1st August 2027—

(a)

the higher amount is £12,060;

(b)

the floor amount in respect of that higher amount is £11,735.”.

13Amendment to regulation 6 (higher and floor amounts for specified cases)

In regulation 6—

(a)

in paragraph (2)(a)—

(i)

in paragraph (ii), after “2025,” insert “but before 1st August 2026,”;

(ii)

after paragraph (ii), insert a semicolon and—

“(iii)

where the academic year of the course begins on or after 1st August 2026, but before 1st August 2027, £2,350;

(iv)

where the academic year of the course begins on or after 1st August 2027, £2,410”;

(b)

in paragraph (2)(b)—

(i)

in paragraph (ii), after “2025,” insert “but before 1st August 2026,”;

(ii)

after paragraph (ii), insert a semicolon and—

“(iii)

where the academic year of the course begins on or after 1st August 2026, but before 1st August 2027, £2,285;

(iv)

where the academic year of the course begins on or after 1st August 2027, £2,345”;

(c)

in paragraph (3)(a)—

(i)

in paragraph (ii), after “2025,” insert “but before 1st August 2026,”;

(ii)

after paragraph (ii), insert a semicolon and—

“(iii)

where the academic year of the course begins on or after 1st August 2026, but before 1st August 2027, £1,760;

(iv)

where the academic year of the course begins on or after 1st August 2027, £1,805”;

(d)

in paragraph (3)(b)—

(i)

in paragraph (ii), after “2025,” insert “but before 1st August 2026”;

(ii)

after paragraph (ii), insert a semicolon and—

“(iii)

where the academic year of the course begins on or after 1st August 2026, but before 1st August 2027, £1,710;

(iv)

where the academic year of the course begins on or after 1st August 2027, £1,760”;

(e)

in paragraph (5)(a)—

(i)

in paragraph (ii), after “2025,” insert “but before 1st August 2026”;

(ii)

after paragraph (ii), insert a semicolon and—

“(iii)

where the academic year of the course begins on or after 1st August 2026, but before 1st August 2027, £1,760;

(iv)

where the academic year of the course begins on or after 1st August 2027, £1,805”;

(f)

in paragraph (5)(b)—

(i)

in paragraph (ii), after “2025,” insert “but before 1st August 2026”;

(ii)

after paragraph (ii), insert a semicolon and—

“(iii)

where the academic year of the course begins on or after 1st August 2026, but before 1st August 2027, £1,710;

(iv)

where the academic year of the course begins on or after 1st August 2027, £1,760”.

14Amendment to regulation 7 (basic and floor amounts: general)

In regulation 7—

(a)

in paragraph (2), for “2025” substitute “2025, but before 1st August 2026”;

(b)

after paragraph (2), insert—

“(3)

Except as otherwise provided in regulation 8, where the academic year of the course begins on or after 1st August 2026, but before 1st August 2027—

(a)

the basic amount is £7,830;

(b)

the floor amount in respect of that basic amount is £7,620.

(4)

Except as otherwise provided in regulation 8, where the academic year of the course begins on or after 1st August 2027—

(a)

the basic amount is £8,035;

(b)

the floor amount in respect of that basic amount is £7,820.”.

15Amendment to regulation 8 (basic and floor amounts for specified cases)

In regulation 8—

(a)

in paragraph (2)(a)—

(i)

in paragraph (ii), after “2025,” insert “but before 1st August 2026,”;

(ii)

after paragraph (ii), insert a semicolon and—

“(iii)

where the academic year of the course begins on or after 1st August 2026, but before 1st August 2027, £1,565;

(iv)

where the academic year of the course begins on or after 1st August 2027, £1,605”;

(b)

in paragraph (2)(b)—

(i)

in paragraph (ii), after “2025,” insert “but before 1st August 2026,”;

(ii)

after paragraph (ii), insert a semicolon and—

“(iii)

where the academic year of the course begins on or after 1st August 2026, but before 1st August 2027, £1,520;

(iv)

where the academic year of the course begins on or after 1st August 2027, £1,560”;

(c)

in paragraph (3)(a)—

(i)

in paragraph (ii), after “2025,” insert “but before 1st August 2026,”;

(ii)

after paragraph (ii), insert a semicolon and—

“(iii)

where the academic year of the course begins on or after 1st August 2026, but before 1st August 2027, £1,170;

(iv)

where the academic year of the course begins on or after 1st August 2027, £1,205”;

(d)

in paragraph (3)(b)—

(i)

in paragraph (ii), after “2025,” insert “but before 1st August 2026,”;

(ii)

after paragraph (ii), insert a semicolon and—

“(iii)

where the academic year of the course begins on or after 1st August 2026, but before 1st August 2027, £1,140;

(iv)

where the academic year of the course begins on or after 1st August 2027, £1,170”;

(e)

in paragraph (5)(a)—

(i)

in paragraph (ii), after “2025,” insert “but before 1st August 2026,”;

(ii)

after paragraph (ii), insert a semicolon and—

“(iii)

where the academic year of the course begins on or after 1st August 2026, but before 1st August 2027, £1,170;

(iv)

where the academic year of the course begins on or after 1st August 2027, £1,205”;

(f)

in paragraph (5)(b)—

(i)

in paragraph (ii), after “2025,” insert “but before 1st August 2026,”;

(ii)

after paragraph (ii), insert a semicolon and—

“(iii)

where the academic year of the course begins on or after 1st August 2026, but before 1st August 2027, £1,140;

(iv)

where the academic year of the course begins on or after 1st August 2027, £1,170”.

Signature

Name

Minister of State

Department for Education

Date

Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations amend the Higher Education (Fee Limits and Fee Limit Condition) (England) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/903) (“the 2018 Regulations”) and the Higher Education (Fee Limits for Accelerated Courses) (England) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/214) (“the 2019 Regulations”). The amendments introduce new, increased course fee limits for qualifying courses provided by certain English higher education providers. The new fee limits apply to academic years beginning on or after 1st August 2026 but before 1st August 2027 and academic years beginning on or after 1st August 2027. The fee limits apply only to courses which begin before 1 January 2027.

The fee limits that currently apply to academic years beginning on or after 1st August 2019 but before 1st August 2026 are preserved. The fee limits that currently apply to lower-fee foundation years that begin on or after 1st August 2025 are also preserved.

The fee changes apply to English higher education providers which are required to limit their tuition fees by virtue of section 10 of the Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (c. 29) (“the 2017 Act”) as a condition of registration with the regulator of higher education providers, the Office for Students.

Regulations 3 and 11 make amendments such that the fee limits apply only to courses which begin before 1 January 2027.

Regulations 4 to 6 make amendments such that the 2018 Regulations introduce new, increased higher amounts of fees and floor amounts in respect of those higher amounts. These expressions are defined by paragraph 2 of Schedule 2 to the 2017 Act.

Regulations 7 to 9 make amendments such that the 2018 Regulations introduce new, increased basic amounts of fees and floor amounts in respect of those basic amounts. These expressions are defined by paragraph 3 of Schedule 2 to the 2017 Act.

Regulations 10 to 15 make similar amendments to the 2019 Regulations such that the higher, floor and basic amounts for accelerated courses which begin before 1 January 2027 are increased.

The fee increases to the higher amounts are required to maintain the value of those amounts in real terms, having regard to the index of prices specified in the Student Fees (Inflation Index) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/507). Fees for academic years beginning on or after 1st August 2026 but before 1st August 2027 are increased by 2.71%. Fees for academic years beginning on or after 1st August 2027 are increased by 2.68%.

A full impact assessment of the effect that this instrument will have on the costs of business, the voluntary sector and the public sector has been produced and is published alongside these Regulations on www.legislation.gov.uk. Hard copies are available from the Department for Education, Sanctuary Buildings, Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BT.