91探花

Universities UK is calling for higher tuition fees and direct government funding to halt a growing deficit in higher education providers in England. 

Louise Tweedie, partner and higher education specialist at 91探花, comments: “The balance between tackling the financial shortfall many universities are facing, whilst delivering value for money and not deterring students from lower socio-economic backgrounds is a significant challenge. 

“However, with reduced numbers of international students looking to study in the UK, something needs to fill the financial void so increased tuition fees plus more government investment might be the only alternative for the sector and the current operating model.

“It will be interesting to see to what level of consideration has been given to other options, such as apprenticeships, mergers, federations, hybrid, virtual and condensed models, as part of the Universities UK blueprint and recommendations. Many will see increasing tuition fees as a last resort, but maybe this move is needed to stem financial distress, maintain and improve the student experience and shape a higher skilled, more productive workforce to boost the wider UK economy.”