London, Nov 15 (IANS) The higher education sector in England faces continued financial pressures due to reductions in the number of students entering higher education, according to a report by the Office for Students (OfS), the regulator for British higher education.
The report suggests that, without taking steps to address financial risks, 72 per cent of higher education providers could be in deficit by 2025-26, and 40 per cent would have fewer than 30 days’ liquidity. It estimates a net income reduction of 3.45 billion British pounds (4.38 billion US dollars) for the sector by 2025-26, based on current trends and not considering significant mitigating actions.
The analysis, published on Friday, updates the OfS’s annual financial sustainability report. Its modeling is based on data submitted in late 2023 and includes changes to UK undergraduate tuition fee levels as well as the increase in national insurance contributions for employers announced in the latest Budget.
“A competitive recruitment market for UK students means some universities will lose out and will need to update their plans,” says Susan Lapworth, chief executive of the OfS. “And all institutions will be alive to the impact of a sharp reduction in visa applications for international students.”
According to the report, UK undergraduate acceptances through the University and Colleges Admissions Service increased slightly by 1.3 per cent year-on-year in 2024 but fell significantly short of the sector’s forecast of a 5.8 per cent growth.
It also finds a substantial decline in international student recruitment, citing data published by the Home Office. Statistics show a 16-per cent drop in visa applications in 2024 compared to 2023, while the number of international students from certain countries sending large numbers to the UK has fallen by over 40 per cent, Xinhua news agency reported.
Lapworth urges universities that have not yet taken steps to secure their long-term sustainability to take “bold and transformative action to reshape institutions for the future,” noting that they should not rely on student recruitment rebounding in the coming years.
–IANS
as/
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by TodayIndia.news and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of TodayIndia.news We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, TodayIndia.news takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.
Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.
If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.
