University funding/finances
‘Quite a few’ institutions actively considering mergers, claims David Maguire
Little prospect of convincing politicians or the public of the need to raise fees higher, leaving universities dependent on an upturn in economy and international student market, says Shitij Kapur
Better to revise the previous government’s tuition fee hikes than redirect taxpayers’ money into wealthy graduates’ pockets, says Maxwell Yong
As questions about the size and shape of UK higher education persist, debates about the part number controls could play are making a comeback
English fee rise does little to relieve pressure on institutions, with increased staff costs likely to swallow additional funding
The removal of recruitment caps in 2015 was hailed by ministers as a boon to institutions’ and students’ ambitions. But the tuition fee’s declining value and the Russell Group’s ever-growing market share now threaten the viability of some institutions, and calls are growing for a U-turn, writes Juliette Rowsell
Announcement follows the departure of 400 staff members last year as efforts to close budget black hole continue
Universities need £60 million boost from Holyrood budget to avoid further cuts to per-student funding, says IFS
Few universities confirm plans to charge full uplift to all undergraduates, with sector set to miss out on millions in extra revenue
Union says withdrawal of some business degrees ‘raises serious questions’ but university insists it is separate to wider restructure
Any new home undergraduate enrolling on a course at University College Birmingham will be eligible for the allowance
Staff fear cost-cutting motivations behind university’s drive for more secure employment
Lower than anticipated student recruitment worsening financial situation for more institutions, according to OfS analysis
Ensure that your exit causes minimal inconvenience, regulator tells private colleges
New LSE vice-chancellor discusses ‘Wild West’ US, dealing with campus protests and the personal turmoil that led him to make the switch to London
Wartime austerity could slash research output and disproportionately hit disadvantaged students, sector leaders warn
John Cater, who is set to retire after 31 years at the helm of Edge Hill University, warns that sector finances have never been more challenging
Latest redundancy round militates against the government’s growth aspirations, observers warn
Science Tokyo head says joining forces is an ‘effective strategy’ for institutions facing funding and demographic shortfalls
Horse set to follow the cart, as critics warn of perverse consequences
Increase in amount paid by undergraduates will not cover additional staff costs imposed on institutions in the budget
Bridget Phillipson confirms inflationary fee rise and adds £414 extra per year to maintenance loans
Some A$15 billion of student debt relief will do almost ‘nothing’ to help cash-strapped Australian institutions
Poll finds third of UK undergraduates worried for future of their institution amid funding crisis
UK institutions look ahead to next autumn as survey confirms devastating impact of visa restrictions
Area studies and languages at risk at Leiden University, with academics foreseeing humanities ‘apocalypse’
Addressing the sector’s woes has, at best, been kicked down the road to next year’s spending review. How disappointing, says Nick Hillman
Chancellor goes ahead with 1.2 percentage point increase, hiking staff costs for already cash-strapped institutions
University leaders under ‘extraordinary pressure’ amid funding crisis, says departing University of Southern Queensland chief
“Workforce change” processes under way at seven institutions likely to claim well over 1,200 jobs, with more campuses expected to follow suit
New crackdowns on overseas students have recently been introduced by Australia, Canada and the UK in response to concerns about immigration levels, housing costs and visa abuse. But will they work? Will they last? And where do they leave universities struggling to stay afloat? Patrick Jack reports
THE’s flagship summit began with a focus on immediate funding woes but ended with a reaffirmation of universities’ founding principles
Vice-chancellors want access to support for public sector organisations if expected levying of national insurance on employers’ pension contributions goes ahead
Pressure group attacks ‘shocking’ rise in ‘fat cats’, but institutions insist it is right that they offer competitive salaries
Number of institutions claiming financial exigency now into ‘double figures’
Troubled institution joins neighbouring ANU in flagging major cuts, saying it is ‘spending beyond its means’
First budget under new right-wing government insufficient, sector leaders say
New post-16 regulator finally comes into being as Welsh institutions face funding crisis
Declines in international student numbers blamed for fresh round of university redundancies
Proposed rises in employer national insurance and levy on pension contributions could ‘unwittingly tip the balance’, warns UUK leader
Universities UK urges ‘ambitious’ increase in research spending, not real-terms cut, ahead of budget
Welsh higher education minister rows back on Senedd remarks after acknowledging bailouts across the border are a Westminster matter
New restructure proposals, ‘the last of the year’, would claim more than 100 positions
New Manchester vice-chancellor on why universities need to collaborate more closely, how to turn research into impact, and the ‘opportunity’ for the UK on international students
Record increases scheduled as caps proposal leaves universities ‘singing different songs’
Waiving pay during Covid did not prevent redundancies, union warns members
Charge students to retake passed exams, Norwegian government tells universities
Struggling universities unlikely to see greater support as warring parties focus on political reform
Capital seen as being able to absorb ramifications of a market exit, while regional towns and cities would feel much greater impact
Pandemic-style redundancies feared as universities count their losses
English higher education is already very diverse. Aggressive top-down attempts to diversify it further will do more harm than good, says B.V.E. Hyde
Irene Tracey says policymakers and universities need to work together to tackle funding crisis
Half of sector goes backwards in this year’s table, as international student caps threaten more damage
Former minister says his government was right to focus on outcomes of degrees but disowns talk of ‘Mickey Mouse degrees’
Oxford breaks record at number one spot, defying trend of declining UK reputation
British and Canadian vice-chancellors warn their financial models have never faced greater threats, but do not want to further deter international students
Releasing details of Paddy Nixon’s final-year earnings of $A1.8 million would be ‘contrary to the public interest’, Canberra insists
Funders and prestigious universities ‘cannot compete’ as budgets stand still or go backwards
Baroness Smith references October budget as she says government is ‘working on a whole range of options’
At least 50 job cuts proposed as university confronts A$200 million hole caused by ‘external headwinds’ and federal policy changes
