United Kingdom universities are struggling financially due to recent visa restrictions for international students. University leaders are calling for an urgent increase in domestic tuition fees to help offset significant deficits.
According to Sally Mapstone, President of Universities UK, “There is now a clear choice. We can allow our distinguished, globally competitive higher education system to slide into decline or we can act together.” She warned that the sector is “feeling the crunch” following the introduction of visa curbs last year.
The UK government’s decision to restrict overseas student visas has resulted in 30,000 fewer international student applications in the first four months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This has led to a £1.7 billion deficit for teaching and a £5 billion shortfall for research.
Shitij Kapur, head of King’s College London, argued that domestic tuition fees should be increased to £12,000-£13,000 to reflect rising costs. Meanwhile, Labour Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledged the financial challenges faced by the sector, promising that “these issues will get the attention and the commitment they deserve.”
University leaders fear that without urgent intervention, some institutions may be forced to cut courses or even close their doors. The situation highlights the significant impact of visa restrictions on the UK’s higher education sector.