tuition fees

Meaning

The money that you pay to a university, college, or private school for your education and instruction. It covers the cost of classes and lectures but typically excludes accommodation, books, and food.

Examples

• The university decided to raise its tuition fees by five percent next semester.

  The university decided to raise its tuition fees by five percent next semester.

• I need to find a part-time job to help cover my tuition fees.

  I need to find a part-time job to help cover my tuition fees.

• Some European countries do not charge tuition fees, even for international students.

  Some European countries do not charge tuition fees, even for international students.

• She is looking for a grant that will cover both her living expenses and tuition fees.

  She is looking for a grant that will cover both her living expenses and tuition fees.

• How much are the annual tuition fees for the MBA program?

  How much are the annual tuition fees for the MBA program?

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The tuition fee of this course is very expensive.

  ✓ The tuition fees for this course are very high.

  Fees are described as 'high' or 'low', not 'expensive' or 'cheap'. Also, we typically use the preposition 'for' rather than 'of'.

• ✗ I paid my university costs yesterday.

  ✓ I paid my tuition fees yesterday.

  'University costs' is too generic. When referring specifically to the money paid for classes and instruction, 'tuition fees' is the natural and correct term.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The university announced that ___ will increase by three percent next year.

  💡 The money paid for university instruction.

  Show answer

  tuition fees

• I am applying for a scholarship to help pay my ___.

  💡 The cost of your classes.

  Show answer

  tuition fees