International Student Tuition Fee Increase: What You Need to Know
Many students have recently contacted MDXSU after receiving communication from Middlesex University about an increase to their tuition fees.
We understand that receiving information about a change to your fees at short notice, when you may already have planned your finances around your expected tuition costs has caused concern and uncertainty.
We want you to know that MDXSU is listening and we are continuing to represent your interests.
Over the past few weeks, MDXSU officers and staff have been speaking with the University about the fee increase, the way it has been communicated and what it means for affected students.
The MDX Uni has confirmed that some courses are subject to an annual inflationary tuition fee increase, capped at 3.6%.
They have also acknowledged that some students are currently seeing incorrect fees in their Student Account Centre because the 3.6% cap has not yet been applied.
Resolving this remains a high priority for them and that staff across the Uni are working to correct the issue.
If you are currently seeing a tuition fee charge that appears to be higher than the expected inflationary increase, check your Student Account Centre regularly for the latest information about your account.
MDX Uni has also said that it is actively reviewing the support available to affected students, particularly given concerns about upcoming payment deadlines.
MDXSU is here to support you
These past few weeks, MDXSU officers and staff have been speaking with the Uni about the fee increase, how it has been communicated and, most importantly what is means for affected students.
We are continuing to push the Uni for clarity about the situation and for appropriate support for student who may be financially affected.
We were unable to change the payment position, but that doesn’t mean we are going to stop representing your interest or challenging the impact this is having on students.
What is MDXSU doing?
We are continuing to engage with the Uni to:
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Clear and timely information about how the fee increase applies to individual students.
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Clarity about what happens if students are unable to meet upcoming payment deadlines.
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Appropriate support for students experiencing financial hardship.
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Greater financial support, including hardship funding and scholarships for international students.
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The concerns and experiences of international students to be properly considered by University decision-makers.
MDXSU cannot set or change University tuition fees, but we can represent students, challenge decisions and ask the Uni to address the impact of its decisions on students.
We will continue to do this.
What can I do I am affected?
1. Check your Student Account Centre
Students should continue to check their Student Account Centre for the latest information relating to their account.
If you currently see a fee that is higher than you expected, the University has said that some accounts have not yet had the 3.6% cap applied.
This means the amount currently displayed may not be the final corrected amount.
2. If you are worried about paying, get advice
If you are experiencing financial difficulty, are concerned about making a payment or believe the situation is causing particular hardship, support is available.
You can contact the MDX Uni Student Advice Team if you’re experiencing financial difficulty or concerned about payments.
3. If you are unhappy, you can raise your concerns
If you believe you’ve been treated unfairly, you can seek advice about your options, including the complaints process.
The MDXSU Advice Service can help you understand the appropriate process for your circumstances.
4. You can organise with other students
If you want to collectively raise concerns about international student fees, MDXSU is here to support you.
You can organise with other students, start a petition, gather evidence about the impact of the increase or develop a campaign.
If you want to organise, get in touch with us and we can help you understand your options and support you to make your voice heard.
Students have previously used petitions and collective action to make changes at Middlesex, including Online Lecture Capture, free period products on campus and making Subway halal.
What are my rights as a student?
Your rights will depend on your individual circumstances, including when you started your course, the terms of your student contract and the rules that apply to your course and fees.
Universities have responsibilities to provide students with clear and timely information about important contractual terms, including fees. Consumer protection law also applies to higher education providers.
This does not necessarily mean that a fee increase is unlawful. However, if you are concerned about whether the increase has been communicated appropriately or whether it applies to you, you can seek advice and challenge decisions through the appropriate processes.
If you cannot afford the increased fees
If the increase means you are struggling to meet your payment obligations, please seek advice as soon as possible by contacting the MDX Uni Student Advice Team if you’re experiencing financial difficulty or concerned about payments.
We are continuing to seek clarity from the University about:
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what happens if a student cannot pay by the deadline
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and what the potential impact could be on a student's studies or student status.
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whether hardship funding can be accessed
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what financial support may be available
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whether payment arrangements or extensions are available
We want to hear from you
If you have been affected by the fee increase, your experience matters.
Understanding how this is affecting students financially, academically and personally helps us represent students more effectively when speaking to the University.
If you have concerns, questions or want to get involved in collective action, please get in touch with MDXSU.
We are your Students' Union. We are here to represent you, support you and make sure your voice is heard.
