Students at University Studies at West Suffolk College, in Bury St Edmunds, to benefit from frozen tuition fees

A higher education provider has announced it has frozen its tuition fees ahead of a national rise that is coming in later this year.

The Government is raising tuition fees to £9,535 from this autumn, however staff at University Studies at West Suffolk College (USWSC), in Bury St Edmunds, have committed to maintaining the same rate of £8,500 to current and future students.

The provider, which is affiliated to the University of East Anglia, will also keep part-time fees to £4,250.

In addition, students who are currently on a level 3 programme – such as A-levels or T-levels – at West Suffolk College who sign up for a degree at USWSC starting in September 2025 will be given a one-off £1,000 reduction during their first year of study.

The higher educational facility, at the University and Professional Development Centre in Western Way, also has a range of Government bursaries available.

Stuart Appleby, head of higher education at Eastern Education Group, said: “Ensuring that everyone has the best possible chance to progress through education is at the heart of what we do.

“That’s why we’ve made the decision to freeze tuition fees this year – because we believe that financial barriers shouldn’t stand in the way of ambition.

“We are also immensely proud of our bursary offer, which helps open doors for as many people as possible to gain a higher-level qualification with us.

“One of the greatest privileges of our work is seeing students - no matter their age or background - achieve things they once thought were out of reach. Watching them walk across the stage at graduation, knowing how hard they’ve worked and how far they’ve come, is one of the greatest moments in our academic calendar.

“We can’t wait to welcome new students to University Studies at West Suffolk College this year, and we remain deeply committed to investing in cutting-edge facilities here.

“Over the coming months and years, we will continue to expand and enhance our learning spaces, building on the success of our award-winning XR Lab, which was recently recognised at the 2024 Education Estates Awards as one of the most inspiring educational spaces in the UK.”

Ross Nicholson-Scott, 32, from Thetford, who is studying on a business and management degree at USWSC, said: “It might make people feel a bit easier about signing up to university.

“If the university is going to make it a bit cheaper for us – then that is a winner for all of the students.”

Bursaries on offer now include a disabled or parents learning allowance or a childcare or adult dependant’s grant for those who meet certain criteria.

The university team will be hosting an ‘Ignite Your Future’ event on Thursday, May 1, at the University and Professional Development Centre in Bury.

Designed for all UCAS applicants, including those not currently studying at the college, this event offers an opportunity to connect with staff and peers, gain essential insights, and experience student life first-hand before starting university.

To sign up visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ignite-your-future-applicant-day-tickets-1309582750259