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Universities across the United Kingdom are facing financial challenges due to new visa restrictions for international students.
They have called for an increase in domestic tuition fees to counter substantial deficits.
The president of Universities UK, Sally Mapstone, stated that all universities are "feeling the crunch" since these restrictions were implemented last year, and warned that the choice is to either watch their esteemed, globally competitive higher education system decline or unite and take action.
According to a House of Commons research report, the total income of the British higher education sector for the 2022-23 fiscal year exceeded £50 billion, primarily derived from tuition fees and grants.
However, the prior government imposed restrictions on overseas student visas, leading to a decline in international student applications.
Universities have been sounding alarms about the potential impact on their finances, warning that budget shortfalls could lead to course cuts and even the closure of some institutions.
The president of Universities UK highlighted a current teaching deficit of £1.7 billion and a £5 billion shortfall in research funding, and urged the government for "investment and support" to sustain world-class teaching and research.
Domestic tuition fees have remained unchanged despite rising inflation.
