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

Made: 20th March 2026

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 2017[^f00001].

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.[^f00002]

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.

Part 1 — Introductory

Citation, commencement and extent

1

• (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.

Part 2 — Amendment of the Higher Education (Fee Limits and Fee Limit Condition) (England) Regulations 2018

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

2

The Higher Education (Fee Limits and Fee Limit Condition) (England) Regulations 2018[^f00003] are amended in accordance with regulations 3 to 9.

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

3

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.

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

4

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.

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

5

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

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

6

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.

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

7

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.

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

8

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

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

9

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.

Part 3 — Amendment of The Higher Education (Fee Limits for Accelerated Courses) (England) Regulations 2019

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

10

The Higher Education (Fee Limits for Accelerated Courses) (England) Regulations 2019[^f00004] are amended in accordance with regulations 11 to 15.

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

11

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.

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

12

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.

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

13

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

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

14

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.

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

15

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

Signed

Georgia Gould — Minister of State — Department for Education — 20th March 2026

Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

Explanatory Note

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.

Footnotes

[^f00001]: 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.

[^f00002]: 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.

[^f00003]: S.I. 2018/903, amended by S.I. 2020/853 and S.I. 2025/263.

[^f00004]: S.I. 2019/214, amended by S.I. 2020/853 and S.I. 2025/263.