Student‑finance shifts accelerated in two major higher‑education markets. In the U.K., Chancellor Rachel Reeves defended a freeze to the Plan 2 repayment threshold — a decision critics say treats loans like a tax and will raise monthly repayments for many graduates. Personal‑finance advocates warned the freeze will squeeze borrowers who already saw high interest during recent inflation. In the U.S., the Department of Education moved a proposed rule closer to finalizing loan limits for graduate and professional students, a change set to take effect July 1 that could cap lifetime federal borrowing. Higher‑ed groups have signaled strong pushback is likely, citing implications for graduate enrollment, professional programs and institutional financial planning.