English graduates face double the student debt of their Scottish peers
Data from the Student Loan Company show that English graduates carry an average debt of £47,730, more than twice the £21,000 average debt of Scottish graduates.
Student Loan Company statistics indicate that English graduates now have an average loan balance of £47,730, a reduction from £53,000 a year earlier but still more than double the £21,000 average debt recorded for Scottish graduates in 2025-26. Scottish university courses typically run a year longer, yet tuition remains free for Scottish students. The tuition fee cap in England rose to £9,535 for 2025-26, the first increase in eight years, and is set to climb further.
SNP MSP Jack Middleton accused the Labour government of squeezing both pensioners and young people, urging Andy Burnham to eliminate high fees. The Scottish Government reaffirmed its commitment to free tuition north of the border, while a UK Government spokesperson promised reforms to the student finance system, including higher maintenance loans and a raised repayment threshold.
Why it matters
The disparity highlights growing financial pressure on English graduates compared with their Scottish counterparts.
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