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    Change International Students Fee Payment Plan!! (deadline January 13)

    Submitted 6 days ago by Muhammad Hamza Haroon
    Current
      69comments
      As many of you know, one of the key objectives in my manifesto focuses on improving the international student fee payment structure. Today, I’m sharing this idea here because I want to hear your thoughts, gather your support, and understand how many of you would like to see this change implemented at our university. At the moment, undergraduate or postgraduate international students who join in the September intake must pay 50% of their tuition fees upfront which is a requirement set by the UK government. However, universities have the freedom to decide how the remaining 50% is paid. At Kingston University, the current policy requires the second 50% to be paid in full by 10 January, with no instalment options available. This puts significant financial pressure on many international students. My proposal is to introduce one additional instalment This means students would be able to split the remaining 50% into: 25% due in January, and 25% due in early April This simple change would bring major benefits, including: 1. A more flexible and manageable payment plan for international students. 2. Reduced dropout rates, as fewer students would be forced to leave due to an unmanageable lump-sum payment. 3. Financial benefits for students facing international tax restrictions, as splitting payments can avoid large single transfers. Better mental health and wellbeing, as students won’t be overwhelmed by one large payment under time pressure. This manifesto objective has already been approved by the Student Council, and your support will help me build a strong case when presenting this proposal to the University. Please share your thoughts, vote for or against the idea, and let me know if you believe this change is needed. Your feedback and support truly matter as we work together to make life easier for all international students at Kingston. Thank you for your continuous support!! Hamza, SU president.
    Canon Manuel
    10:37am on 8 Dec 25 Hi Hamza, I’ve just read through your idea, and I genuinely believe that having an instalment option available for students would significantly ease their financial pressures. As a student myself, I’ve seen fellow international students experience real mental strain when facing these situations. Many of the international students come to the UK for better opportunities and to work towards a brighter future, but financial challenges can make the journey incredibly difficult. Introducing instalment options would remove a huge burden and support students who are already doing their best to stay afloat.
    Jazib Ahmad
    10:51am on 8 Dec 25 Hi Hamza, I completely agree with this proposal. Splitting the second 50% into two instalments would make a huge difference for international students. It’s a fair, manageable system that reduces financial pressure and supports student wellbeing. Thanks for pushing for this change.
    Abdulamuqeeth Mohd
    11:03am on 8 Dec 25 This would be a massive help for international students. Hopefully they accept your proposal
    Banita Anthony
    11:07am on 8 Dec 25 Hamza this is a really great initiative, I fully support this decision. If the university has the freedom to decide how the remaining 50% is paid, then all the factors you’ve mentioned should be taken into consideration. This way more students are likely to stay and may also be a great opportunity to attract more international students to come to Kingston University in the future.
    Heaven Addai
    11:22am on 8 Dec 25 Great idea!
    Lydia Solomon Habtemical
    11:27am on 8 Dec 25 Hi Hamza, thank you for highlighting this issue. The current payment structure puts a lot of strain on international students who are already dealing with living costs, and adjusting to a new country. Splitting the remaining 50% into two instalments is a simple change but impactful, giving students more breathing room and reducing unnecessary stress. I fully support this and hope the university recognises how important this improvement is for international students at Kingston.
    Tanisha Amin
    11:42am on 8 Dec 25 Fantastic idea! This can significantly reduce the financial burden on our international students. It would be greatly appreciated if this proposal was to go through.
    Anthony Ten
    11:51am on 8 Dec 25 Love this idea! Improving flexibility for international students is a great step for easing the already high financial burden for our international cohort :)
    Paulina Lipiec
    12:01pm on 8 Dec 25 Fantastic idea Hamza. Flexibility will hopefully help to improve the already high financial burden international students face.
    Arinda Gateka
    12:18pm on 8 Dec 25 That’s a great idea. It would help ease the students’ financial burden, improve the access to education and somehow prove that the university values the wellbeing of the students. It would be lifechanging, especially for those juggling study and work. Thank you, Hamza, for the initiative.
    Atiqah Fida
    1:46pm on 8 Dec 25 This is a solid initiative, Hamza. Flexibility in the payment structure is long overdue, and the current system puts unnecessary strain on international students. If the University can choose how the remaining 50% is handled, then a clearer, kinder structure just makes sense. It eases pressure, keeps students here, and makes Kingston far more appealing to those coming from abroad. Wishing you all the success pushing this forward :)
    Angela Abou Jaoude
    2:05pm on 8 Dec 25 I really support this idea, Hamza. An extra instalment would make payments much easier for international students and reduce a lot of stress. Thanks for working on this !
    Ayza Khawaja
    3:43pm on 8 Dec 25 I think this initiative is amazing. It would help people out massively, especially those who aren’t financially stable enough to pay the entire amount all at once.
    Chloee Boshi
    3:51pm on 8 Dec 25 Hi Hamza, thank you so much for creating this. It would really help so much by having the fee split into more instalments. It is increasingly difficult to do such large transfers!
    Lavannya Satardekar
    4:32pm on 8 Dec 25 I agree, the addition of one more instalment will help all international students to make arrangements for their payments more easily and gives them time to manage their finances reasonably.
    Vedas Harolikar
    4:43pm on 8 Dec 25 I agree
    George Davies
    11:19am on 9 Dec 25 Not an international student but this does seem fair to have small installments. Good idea!
    Tirth Panchal
    5:14pm on 9 Dec 25 As an international student I agree with you.
    Ukamaka Esomchi
    5:23pm on 9 Dec 25 This would be a huge burden lifted on international students. Being an international student myself, it was heartbreaking having to learn that there isn’t any installment plan that can extend beyond January (for the September cohort). There should be a consideration for international students really, having to adjust and adapt to a new environment, could be a bit challenging, and worrying about the 50% tuition fee in couple of weeks, can be daunting. I really hope this idea is considered! And thank you for raising this concern, Hamza!
    Waseeque Haider
    7:16pm on 9 Dec 25 I strongly support this proposal. Splitting the second 50% into two instalments (25% in January and 25% in April) would make a huge difference in managing finances without overwhelming students. This change promotes fairness, reduces stress, and helps us focus on our studies instead of worrying about large lump-sum payments. It’s a practical step toward improving student wellbeing and retention. Great initiative!
    Savio Carvalho
    8:52pm on 9 Dec 25 Love this initiative. It would really help us in terms of financial burden. I hope university agrees with your proposal!
    Jenniferageorge Rao
    9:33am on 10 Dec 25 I absolutely agree with this. I want to be honest here, I am an international student and the upcoming installment paymentnof my Fees and my accomodation is on the same day 15th Jan 2026. I have to pay a total amount of £12000, and I have still not been succesaful in getting a part-time job, and it is stressing me out already. I might sound personal here, but its my reality. I stronly support this idea and I hope university agrees with this proposal. Thank you!
    Imtiaz Araf
    3pm on 10 Dec 25 This would be very helpful for the international students. Great initiative.
    Angelina Ataya
    4:28pm on 10 Dec 25 I absolutely agree Hamza! This is a great initiative to help promote equality in fees for all students
    Dhruvika Khanna
    6:37pm on 10 Dec 25 This seems like a great idea, keeping in line with student financial responsibilities,
    Samiha Mosharref
    7:44pm on 10 Dec 25 It is an amazing step up from the current plan, allowing more accessibility for international students!
    Muhammadafaraz Cheema
    9:41pm on 10 Dec 25 This is a much-needed initiative. It would really ease the financial pressure on international students and make the payment process far more manageable. Fully support this!
    Zara Saiyed
    11:46pm on 10 Dec 25 I fully support this campaign. I’m not an international student, but asking anyone to pay 50% of their fees in one go just isn’t realistic in the current cost-of-living crisis. Splitting the second 50% into instalments would be a fairer, more considerate system that reduces stress and lets students focus on their studies instead of constant financial pressure.
    Adidev Rajaram
    1:24pm on 11 Dec 25 Being an international student I feel this is a phenomenal idea and I hope it gets approved by the University.
    Nneka Utulu
    1:45pm on 11 Dec 25 This would be good to reduce the financial pressure on international students which would improve their mental health thus enabling them to focus on their studies.
    Tyrese Stewart
    6:54pm on 11 Dec 25 lots of students facing financial pressures so this is great!!!
    Ahmed Ismaila
    6:56pm on 11 Dec 25 Absolutely agreed Hamza, if this is approved then it will be a massive win for all of as it will reduce the financial pressure and help students to pay their fee easily.
    Sajad Pal
    7:02pm on 11 Dec 25 I am an international student and I am really struggling to pay a large lump sump. This proposal would help me a lot as it’s easier to pay fee in instalments. Please please get it approved!!!
    Tom Chacko Abraham
    8:16pm on 11 Dec 25 Great Idea..!!
    Scarlettabelvedere Pawsey
    10:09pm on 11 Dec 25 I couldn't agree more. This is a long overdue improvement to the fee paying schedule for international students which will help to ease the burden on a group who are already paying higher fees and face limitations on work while study . Not only does this create a fairer more equitable system but may also help to make Kingston stand out as a more attractive choice for prospective international students who will see that the union is just as invested in representing their needs as it is home students. Well done Hamza!
    Harshilaalpeshbhai Raiyani
    2:43pm on 12 Dec 25 Hi! I am an international student, and it would be extremely helpful if the total amount could be split into two payments of 50/50. Thank you for your understanding.
    Aleeza Shahzadi
    4:37pm on 12 Dec 25 Hi Hamza, I absolutely agree with you! With the huge number of international students at KU, the support provided to them especially financially, is nowhere near enough. It’s great to finally see someone genuinely speaking up for them. This initiative would make a real impact and create meaningful change for our international student community. International students are often given unrealistic expectations about life in the UK without proper transparency. The British government places heavy financial requirements on them, and many universities take advantage of this by demanding large upfront payments. Changing the payment structure at Kingston would ease this burden significantly. A more flexible instalment plan would not only reduce financial stress but also help students avoid the additional taxes and charges many countries impose when transferring large sums abroad. It would also simplify things in terms of Flywire transfers, which can be complicated, delayed, and sometimes result in students paying more due to fluctuating exchange rates. Paying a huge lump sum at once creates several problems for international students, including: • Severe financial pressure on families, who often need to pool savings or take loans just to meet the deadline. • Currency exchange rate losses, as students might be forced to convert money at unfavourable rates because they have no flexibility. • Risk of late payments, which can lead to enrolment issues, visa stress, and academic disruption. • Negative impact on mental health, as students worry constantly about meeting the rigid deadlines. • Limited ability to budget, since paying everything at once leaves little financial room for rent, transport, food, and emergencies. Introducing an additional instalment would give students breathing space and allow them to manage their finances more realistically, especially given the high cost of living in the UK. This proposal is much needed, and I fully support it!
    Sukhmani Kaur
    5:09pm on 12 Dec 25 I agree
    Riddhima Suhalka
    5:14pm on 12 Dec 25 I totally agree because it’s such a large transfer! The second instalment 50% should be divided by 2 -25% in January and 25% in April
    Riya Gautam
    5:16pm on 12 Dec 25 yes I totally agree because it’s such a large transfer! The second instalment 50% should be divided by 2 -25% in January and 25% in April
    Wajeeha Fida
    5:18pm on 12 Dec 25 As an international student myself, I really like this initiative. As it would be great to ease the burden.
    Vendela Palm
    5:20pm on 12 Dec 25 I think it’s a very good idea and I hope they implement it. The financial expectations placed on international students are way more demanding than domestic students to having this idea implemented would be a great help.
    Reena Shrestha
    5:22pm on 12 Dec 25 I think this will be very helpful and relief if it works because it has been so stressful for us as an international student. I hope this will get accepted. Thank you for proposing the idea.
    Rafay Lari
    5:26pm on 12 Dec 25 I think this will be very helpful and effective and ease the pressure for 50% tution fees to be paid in January. Like most universities in the UK , allow the option to pay the remainder by the end of dissertation ,allowing another installment by esrly April at the bare minimum would not only ease pressure to pay fees but also act as a source of ease for students to study well , to be at mental ease.
    Kamranaali Kalwar
    5:34pm on 12 Dec 25 Yes
    Shreyaajaiswal Jaiswal
    5:52pm on 12 Dec 25 Yes
    Shreyaajaiswal Jaiswal
    5:52pm on 12 Dec 25 Yes
    Akhalya Vijayalakshmi
    6:59pm on 12 Dec 25 This is such an important and much needed change. The current payment option is overwhelming for many. I strongly support the instalment option it will genuinely help international students.
    Pavithira Devashan
    7:37pm on 12 Dec 25 Yes
    Majed Alotaibi
    9:15pm on 12 Dec 25 I fully support this change. Splitting the second 50% into two instalments will ease the financial pressure on international students and help them focus on their studies.
    Hilde Wagenaar
    10:03pm on 12 Dec 25 I agree, for many students it is not only the 50% tuition fee that is due in January but also a percentage of the accommodation fee. It would be a big relief if payment of the tuition fee allowed three instalments, just like payment of the accommodation fee already allows.
    Himani Sharma
    10:04pm on 12 Dec 25 Finally someone is speaking about! all the very best to president for the campaign. its actually a very important topic as the international fee apart from being too high also involves a lot paperwork and other expenses attach to it which usually goes unseen. We support you, Thank you for the initative :).
    Ovie Ekaje
    10:07pm on 12 Dec 25 I fully support this objective. Splitting the remaining 50% of the fees into two instalments would greatly reduce the financial strain on international students and ease the pressure created by the current short payment timeframe. Implementing this change would show the university’s commitment to a more inclusive and financially considerate environment. The decision now rests with the university to demonstrate how much it values the wellbeing of its international students.
    Unzela Ur Rehman Sherani
    10:37pm on 12 Dec 25 I am really proud that someone finally have a say about this issue, as its been affecting some students financially. By imposing this new change, it will help student to have less financial pressure and also will show that the university does care about our International students and will do what they can to accommodate them. Thank you for the initiative and the shoutout! Future students will be really grateful! We support you!
    Khadiza Khatun
    11:04pm on 12 Dec 25 Yes very good decision. I appreciate it.
    Imtiaz Araf
    11:08pm on 12 Dec 25 University should provide Scholarship facilities to every international students. Its very hard to pay such a huge amount.
    Rowan Tatman
    11:40pm on 12 Dec 25 Wonderful idea. Additionally, the university desperately needs more international scholarship options. The tuition fee for international students is nothing short of extortionate and, for lack of better words, financially abusive. Every student regardless of background should have access to education without having to squeeze out every last penny to their name. Let's NOT follow in American universities' footsteps!
    Zack Razzaq
    9:30am on 13 Dec 25 Yes, I totally agree that this change should be made for international students fees payment plan. I am very happy that someone raised this issue as it was a great deal of concern for many of the students.
    Obinna Umeanozie
    10:49am on 13 Dec 25 Hi Hamza, I wholeheartedly support this proposal. Breaking down the second 50% into two instalments, 25% due in January and 25% due in early April, would greatly benefit international students. It's a reasonable and flexible approach that alleviates financial strain and students' mental health and promotes student welfare. Thanks for advocating for this change
    Ajay Singh
    11:02am on 13 Dec 25 Hi Hamza, Idea is great, and it will be really going to help me. I completely support the idea. Thanks for taking it up.
    Momotazulaarefin Zishan
    11:11am on 13 Dec 25 As an International Student, I agree with you.
    Rhea Jain
    3:51pm on 13 Dec 25 agreed
    Nethmi Vitharana
    4:03pm on 13 Dec 25 This would be a massive help for international students. Hopefully they accept your proposal!!
    Collins Ezea
    9:38pm on 13 Dec 25 The school is always asking international students to seek support when they need it. All international students are seeking the school's support in this regard. This is the biggest support that international students need from the university. It will help the school to attract more international students.
    Collins Ezea
    9:48pm on 13 Dec 25 President, find a way to get more students to add their voice to this issue. Some students don't look at their academic email. I suggest you create another vote and comment page like this one that is compatible with WhatsApp. Then contact as many class reps as possible to share on their class group. That is the only way we can get the necessary number of votes. Please continue with what you are doing no matter how difficult it may seem.
    Rayane Hadjaj
    11:49pm on 13 Dec 25 This is a very reasonable and realistic proposal. A more flexible payment plan would greatly support international students’ financial and mental wellbeing. I vote in favour.
    Prateek Suresh
    4:21pm on 14 Dec 25 Splitting the remaining 50% of fees into two instalments would ease pressure on international students.
    Adeniji Olomosakin
    7:09pm on 14 Dec 25 Great idea.....
    Aleksandra Zizic
    12:32am Hello, I totally agree as international student, and I would like to suggest to reduce installments of accomodation fee. They are in three install as well. And it very unconvenient, and strugglying, I have a feeling they are taking advantage of of I exerienced very bad attitude from accomodation team and accounting as well, they are not listening and puting you in really bad position.

     

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