Several significant financial changes are set to take effect in August 2025, affecting students, homeowners, eBay sellers, and benefit claimants. From university tuition fee rises to a bank holiday payment schedule, here is what you need to know.
University tuition fees in England will increase from £9,250 to £9,535 per year on August 1, marking the first rise since 2017. This applies to new and continuing students starting in September 2025. Maintenance loans will also increase: for students living away from parents outside London, the loan rises from £10,227 to £10,544, and in London from £13,348 to £13,762.
eBay will introduce faster payments for sellers from August 6. Sellers who have made at least ten sales totalling £150 or more in the previous five days, with no more than two unresolved disputes in the last 12 months, will receive funds within 24 hours of a sale. Previously, sellers had to wait two days after delivery confirmation.
The Bank of England will announce its next interest rate decision on August 7. The base rate currently stands at 4.25%, following a hold in June. The Office for National Statistics will release the latest inflation data on August 20; inflation was last reported at 3.6%, down from a peak of 11.1% in October 2022.
Santander will close its 123 Lite current account on August 21. The account offers 3% cashback on household bills (capped at £15 monthly) with a £2 monthly fee. New customers have been unable to open this account since early 2024.
Due to the August bank holiday on Monday, August 25, benefit payments scheduled for that date will likely be paid on Friday, August 22. Additionally, parents must renew Child Benefit claims by August 31 if their child continues education or training beyond age 16, as payments automatically stop on that date. Approved education includes A-Levels and NVQs but not university or BTEC. Parents also need to apply for 30 hours free childcare by August 31 to secure funding from September 2025.
