England's Tuition Fees Are Now the Most Expensive in the World

Tuition fees in England are now the most expensive in the world, according to a new study.

The average annual cost of studying at an English university is £9,188 (US$11,425), which is nearly £2,000 more than the average fee paid by US students. According to the Student Loan Calculator, the average US student pays only US$9,410 (£7,568).

English tuition fees also far outstrip the typical fees paid elsewhere in Europe. French students pay the equivalent of US$430 per year, meaning it would take more than 25 years for a French student to pay as much as their English counterpart does in one.

Average fees in Belgium, Germany, Italy and Austria are also under $1,500 per year, while some European countries (including neighboring Scotland) don't charge fees at all.

English students are going to be hit even harder financially from this year onwards, with fees increasing to £9,250 (US$11,500) per year at most universities. The fee increase was quietly confirmed by the government in December, and will apply to domestic and EU students on full-time undergraduate degrees. Although universities were told they would have to justify increasing their fees, the BBC has reported that almost all universities are expected to charge the full amount.

Things could get even worse in the future too, as the government has suggested fees won't remain fixed, but will instead rise with inflation.

Best start saving your pennies and thinking of a witty sign to carry at the next protest march.

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