Russell Group chief urges flexible university tuition fees

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, September 19, 2026

Libby Hackett, chief executive of the Russell Group, has called for more flexible university tuition fees in the UK that reflect the cost and societal value of different courses rather than a uniform fee structure. She argues that reforming fees could prevent universities from subsidizing expensive courses and promote greater investment in socially valuable subjects, while also encouraging alternative education pathways like apprenticeships.

The head of the Russell Group, which represents 24 of the United Kingdom’s leading universities including Oxford and Cambridge, has called for a more flexible approach to university tuition fees. Libby Hackett, appointed as chief executive earlier this year, argued that the current uniform fee system does not reflect the varying costs of delivering different courses or the societal value of certain subjects.

Under the existing system, domestic undergraduate students pay the same tuition regardless of their program or institution. Hackett described this model as "not fit for purpose," noting that many universities in the group are subsidizing courses by as much as £3,500 per student. She emphasized that top universities often provide higher returns on investment and greater value for money, and therefore should have the ability to adjust fees accordingly.

The cap on tuition fees, which was increased to £9,000 in 2012, was intended to stimulate competition across universities by encouraging flexible pricing. However, in practice, most institutions have continued to charge the maximum allowed. For the 2026-27 academic year, government-set tuition fees are capped at £9,790.

Drawing on her experience as former chief executive of the Australian Public Policy Institute, Hackett highlighted how the Australian system prices courses based on subject type, delivery cost, and public benefit. In Australia, for example, disciplines such as nursing and teaching receive significant government subsidies to encourage enrolment in sectors deemed socially valuable. Hackett suggested similar differentiation could be made in the UK, proposing that courses with clear societal benefit should be offered at lower fees.

In addition to advocating for fee reform, Hackett emphasized the importance of recognizing that university is not the right path for everyone. She encouraged consideration of quality apprenticeships and other forms of further education as viable alternatives.

The call for reform follows recent revelations about the continued enrolment of students in controversial or loosely defined courses. Since 2022, more than 27,000 students have registered for nearly 800 programs described by some critics as "rip-off" courses. These include subjects such as “climate justice,” “traditions of yoga,” and “outdoor and experiential learning,” which incorporates specializations like bushcraft. Among these, Leeds Beckett University has offered a master’s degree in “race, education and decolonial thought,” while the University of Manchester has run an advanced degree in “gender, sexuality and culture.”

Hackett’s remarks contribute to an ongoing debate about how best to fund higher education in the UK, balancing institutional sustainability, student affordability, and the societal impact of various academic disciplines.

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