The Education Committee has launched a new inquiry into the financial viability of universities as they face the challenges of rising costs and falling numbers of international students after years of tuition fee freezes.
It comes after the Office for Students published a report outlining the declining financial health of the sector, and warning that it may not be able to rely on the recruitment of international students for financial stability in the years ahead. This new inquiry follows the Government’s recent changes to immigration policy.
This is the first of a series of ‘mini-inquiries’ and is interested in:
Impact of Government Policy on International Students
- How will current Government policies affect the financial stability of higher education institutions?
- What implications will these policies have on future tuition fee increases?
- How will the interaction between international student enrolment and tuition fees shape the sector’s financial outlook?
Higher Education Insolvency Protections
- What is the current state of insolvency processes for higher education institutions?
- What measures exist to protect students, staff, and other stakeholders in case of institutional insolvency?
- Are additional safeguards needed to strengthen protections?
Ramifications of Institutional Insolvency & Regional Impact
- What would be the consequences of a higher education provider becoming insolvent?
- How do higher education institutions contribute to growth in their local economies, the provision of public services, and their wider communities?
- What strategies should be implemented to prevent insolvency and ensure sustainable regional provision of courses?
The EPC proposes an executive response (see the EPC consultations policy) drawing on our recent CSR submission, admissions research and international students analysis.
The deadline for receiving written submissions is 6pm on Thursday 31 July 2025. If you would like us to highlight anything in addition, please contact us by Friday 25th July.
