The National Union of Students believes that university education should be free for all and that education is a right. The introduction of tuition fees in 1997 ended the era of free education for university students in the United Kingdom.

Average student debt increased from £2,212 in 1992 to £13,501 in 2005 and is predicted to reach £20,000 for entrants in 2005. Shockingly, average graduate debt is forecast to be £44,000 by 2023.

The National Union of Students organised a demonstration that took place in October 2006.