V-cs prioritise fee hike and graduate visa in pre-election asks

University leaders have launched their “manifesto” ahead of a likely UK general election this year, calling for political parties to increase tuition fees and protect the graduate visa.

In anticipation of voters going to the polls for a Westminster election later in 2024, Universities UK (UUK) has revealed its requests of an incoming government, which are aimed at increasing the contribution that higher education institutions make to individual and national opportunities and growth.

UUK, which represents 142 universities across the country, calls for a review of maintenance support – including the reinstatement of maintenance grants and the correction of maintenance loans to reflect real rates of inflation and to adjust the frozen household income threshold.

The organisation also wants the next government to return teaching investment per student to the equivalent of 2015-16 levels in England so those “with the aspiration and ability to go to university have a high-quality education and experience”.

“In England, this includes linking tuition fees for undergraduate students to inflation and an increase in grants for teaching to prevent the continued drop in real terms,” it adds.

The consultancy London Economics recently warned that higher education funding was at a “crossroads” across the four home nations.

Another key policy raised by UUK is its demand for a pledge to maintain the graduate visa, which it says will support “stable and managed growth” in the number of international students entering the country.

The post-study work visa’s future hangs in the balance because it is currently being reviewed by the government, while Labour’s silence on the matter has raised alarm.

UUK says maintaining the graduate visa should be a key priority for the next government if the UK’s higher education sector and economy wants to remain competitive by attracting the best talent.

In addition, it wants to increase public trust and confidence in the UK’s immigration system by separating temporary migration from permanent migration in migration figures.

Vivienne Stern, chief executive of UUK, said: “It’s clear that the UK faces many challenges. Universities can play an important role in improving many things that matter to voters, and to all political parties.

“From boosting the health workforce to bringing wealth to towns and cities around the UK, Universities UK’s manifesto aims to show what universities can do for the country, with the right action from university leaders and from the next government.”

Political parties should commit to a new tertiary education opportunity fund that will harness collaboration between colleges and universities to widen participation, according to UUK.

It also wants to encourage more universities back into teacher training to help address the under-supply of high-quality teachers, and to treat research and development as long-term capital investment through 10-year funding cycles to maximise the ability to secure private investment.

patrick.jack@timeshighereducation.com