A recent report reveals that up to 80% of UK higher education providers may face financial deficits if there’s a decline in international student enrollments in the coming years. The Financial Sustainability of the UK Higher Education sector report, published by PwC and commissioned by UUK, indicates that “significant financial challenges” could affect the quality of education and student outcomes.
According to the report, Fees from international students are expected to contribute up to 66% of all course fee income for 70 higher education institutions in England & Northern Ireland by 2026/27. However, the report also highlights concerns that the government isn’t taking sufficient action to address the impending financial crisis in the higher education sector.
Many providers are delaying investments in infrastructure to protect cash flow, while some are optimizing operations by adopting digital solutions and strategic partnerships. Larger research-intensive and specialist providers in England are particularly dependent on income from international students and risk exposure if enrolment forecasts are not met according to PIE.
So, according to these reasons, concerns are rising over conscious policy decisions impacting international students.
As the UK higher education sector faces these challenges, stakeholders are calling for the need for government intervention to ensure the stability and sustainability of the education system.
