Higher Education News Week 12th July 2024
The Higher Education sector is hopeful that the new Labour government will address the key challenges of the sector.
However, there remain real and urgent financial challenges that Universities are facing, including hangovers from the Covid era.
The Guardian: 12th July 2024
UK universities are experiencing a 40% drop in international student visa applications compared to last year. The decline in international students is causing financial concerns for universities, which rely heavily on international tuition fees.
New visa restrictions, preventing international students from bringing family members, are contributing to the decline. Universities are hoping for an improvement by September, but the overall trend remains worrying.
BBC: 11th July 2024
Trial for students suing UCL over Covid teaching set for 2026 (bbc.com)
Around 5,000 students are suing University College London (UCL) over the quality of teaching during strikes and Covid lockdowns, with the trial set to start in 2026. Students argue that online and cancelled teaching restricted access to facilities and lowered the quality of education.
Lawyers for the students are urging UCL to make settlement proposals to avoid trial. A few students will be selected as “test cases” to help determine the outcome of other claims.
Wales Online: 11th July 2024
'Redundancies are inevitable' Funding for universities in Wales cut by millions - Wales Online
Welsh universities are facing significant funding cuts, with the total funding reduced from £220 million in 2023-24 to £197 million in 2024-251. Due to these cuts, universities are making large-scale redundancies, with more job losses expected.
From September 2024, undergraduate tuition fees in Wales will align with the rest of the UK, up to £9,250 per year. The higher education sector in Wales is under pressure due to static fees and rising costs, leading to concerns about its long-term sustainability.
Financial Times: 11th July 2024
Labour must address who our universities are for (ft.com)
There is a significant disparity in university attendance between wealthy and less affluent areas in Bristol. UK higher education faces financial challenges due to frozen tuition fees and reliance on international students.
Labour’s manifesto aims to support all eligible individuals who wish to attend university, contrasting with previous Conservative policies. Suggestions include increasing higher education participation, emphasizing shorter qualifications and apprenticeships, and incentivizing universities to recruit from low-participation neighbourhoods.
And in the US…
Inside Higher Education: 11th July 2024
How Project 2025 could radically reshape higher ed (insidehighered.com)
A conservative plan, called Project 2025 Blueprint and led by the Heritage Foundation aims to reshape the federal government, including dismantling the Education Department and privatizing student loans.
Critics argue the plan is authoritarian and undermines democratic processes, with concerns about weakening constitutional checks and balances. Proposals include ending loan forgiveness, overhauling the accreditation system, and rolling back Title IX protections.
The plan has gained attention as the presidential election approaches, with significant involvement from former Trump aides and officials.
