Most UK families are staring down £60,000–£80,000 for a three-year degree. With 2025/26 tuition fees jumping to £9,535/year and living costs soaring, the old advice doesn't work anymore. Here's what you actually need to know—and how families are using Junior ISAs to start investing from age 15.

The New Reality: UK Tuition Fees 2025/26

Tuition fees jumped to £9,535 per year for 2025/26 at England's top universities—the first significant increase in years from the previous £9,250 cap.

  • Three-year degree tuition: £28,605 minimum
  • With inflation-linked rises kicking in from 2026, expect closer to £30,000+ by 2028

The fee freeze era is over. Smart families are planning for steady annual increases.

Living Costs: The Hidden £42,000 Reality

This is where families get caught out. Official estimates don't reflect real student spending:

Annual Living Costs Breakdown

Accommodation £5,000–£8,000/year
Food, transport, books, social £5,000–£6,000/year
Average outside London £10,000–£14,000/year
Three-year total £30,000–£42,000
📍

London students: Add £20,000+ to total costs.

Your Total Bill: £60,000–£80,000

Cost Category 3-Year Total
Tuition fees £28,605–£30,000+
Living expenses £30,000–£42,000
Grand Total £60,000–£80,000

This funds the degree upfront—student loans shift the burden to later, but someone still pays.

Why Saving from Age 15 Requires Investing

The brutal maths: £80,000 saved in 3 years = £2,200/month in cash.

Most families can't do this. That's why Junior ISAs matter:

💰

£9,000 annual allowance (2025/26)

📈

Stock investments historically beat inflation long-term

⏰

Time is your biggest advantage from age 15

Cash savings get eaten by 2-3% annual inflation. Invested money has fought back historically.

What This Means for Zo's Journey

I'm 15 now. By 2028, I'll be 18 and making decisions about uni. The goal of £60,000 isn't random—it's what a three-year degree actually costs.

Starting with £1,000 at 15, adding £500/month, and aiming for investment returns means I'm not relying on massive student loans. It's ambitious. It might not work. But I'm trying.

The Bottom Line

UK university costs have risen sharply—ignoring them creates debt. Understanding the numbers unlocks options like early investing through Junior ISAs. Start early. Invest smart. Give your teen options.

Disclaimer: I am 15. This is NOT financial advice. I am learning in public. Do your own research before doing anything with your money.