University tuition fees in England will increase for the first time since 2017, with domestic undergraduate fees rising from £9,250 ($11,610) to £9,535 ($11,967) per year starting in October 2025. This 3% increase is notably modest compared to the 31% inflation rise in the UK over the same period, making UK tuition fees more stable and competitive than other study destinations.
What This Means for Bermudian Students
For Bermudian students, this development is particularly relevant. As citizens of a British Overseas Territory, Bermudians with UK passports are eligible for domestic tuition fees, significantly reducing the cost of studying in England compared to the international rates charged to students from other countries. This eligibility makes the UK an attractive option for higher education, especially when compared to the escalating costs of studying in the US or Canada.
Cost Comparison: Why UK Universities Offer Better Value than the US and Canada
For Bermudian students weighing their options, it’s essential to consider the financial implications of studying abroad:
United States
Popular choices among Bermudian students include:
→ New England Institute of Technology (NEIT): Tuition is approximately $34,875 annually.
→ University of North Carolina: International student tuition is approximately $43,152 annually, however with additional expenses, the University advises international students to budget for upwards of $60,000 annually.
→ The popular College of Arts and Sciences at New York University (NYU) charges tuition fees of $62,796 annually for international students.
→ Harvard University: The Law School charges $77,100 for annual tuition, not including additional expenses. Their Faculty of Arts and Sciences charges $56,550 annually for international students.
While the US offers a variety of university experiences, the overall cost remains high, with elite institutions often charging $50,000-$60,000 annually, excluding living expenses. Students graduate with an average debt of $132,860 (£101,505) (Times Higher Education). Furthermore, mandatory health insurance and other fees add to the financial burden.
Canada
Canada is another popular study destination, but tuition and living costs often exceed those in the UK. Here’s a breakdown of some universities Bermudian students frequently choose:
→ Dalhousie University: Costs vary by program, such as CAD $37,225 (USD $26,536) for Pharmacy to $68,047 (USD $48,507) for the first year of Dentistry, including the Additional International Tuition Fee.
→ The popular McGill University charges CAD $61,066 (USD $43,531) for international students wanting a BSc. They have additional costs which come to an annual fee of CAD $64,401 (USD $45,908).
→ The University of Toronto charges CAD $71,560 (USD $51013) for international students wanting to study Business Administration at the Mississauga campus.
→ University of Waterloo: Tuition ranges between CAD $60,000 (USD $42,771) for Mathematics/Chartered Professional Accountancy and CAD $73,000 (USD $52,039) charged by the Faculty of Engineering, Software Engineering.
In addition to tuition, Canadian visa requirements mandate proof of at least CAD $25,000 (USD $17,854) beyond tuition to cover living expenses, though actual costs may be higher (Times Higher Education). Mandatory health insurance adds another layer of expense.
Planning Ahead for Higher Education
The rise in UK tuition fees underscores the importance of making informed decisions about higher education. At Bridgeway, we are here to guide Bermudian students in choosing the best options for their academic future. Whether you’re navigating tuition fees, comparing study destinations, or selecting the right university, our team can support you every step of the way.
We encourage you to contact us as part of your university journey and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and valuable insights.
As the January 29th 2025 UCAS application deadline approaches, we’ll be running a special series on our partner universities to help you explore your options and make confident choices. Stay tuned for detailed profiles, expert advice, and exclusive tips to assist in your decision-making process.
Let Bridgeway be your trusted companion in this exciting journey toward higher education!
*All information is correct at the time of writing in November 2024
