Ciara Sowerby’s Post

Universities are struggling financially. So, how can we fix UK higher education? 🏫 In a piece for Times Higher Education, #OurImperial Provost Ian Walmsley advocates for separating tuition fees from loans, so that institutions could set their own fee levels independently of the loan level specified by the government. This would allow universities to recover more of the cost of educating UK students, based on the quality and attractiveness of their programmes, without increasing loan bureaucracy or the burden on the public. Read the full article ➡️ https://ow.ly/mvAx50RSh73

Interesting question raised my colleague Louis Pearson. With international student numbers falling due to changes in visa requirements and rules, I think the government should make it easier for universities to attract international students, on whom some of our great institutions have thrived on. I am sure there are other forms of income universities can make better use of, such as commercial partnerships, commercialisation of IP, and using modern technologies to increase operational efficiency. Thoughts?

Did you know that recent tuition fee and maintenance increases will not generate any upfront costs from students? See how universities spend tuition fees, how loans are repaid and how universities are becoming more efficient: https://loom.ly/FHnuVHs

My thoughts on the calls for tuition fee increases, on behalf of the National Union of Students (UK): "Students must not be expected to foot the bill for the university funding crisis. Increasing tuition fees would only up the debt burden on students, especially those from the poorest backgrounds, and further punish students who are investing in their futures and the future of the country. Our institutions clearly need more money, but so too do students. The failure of maintenance funding to keep up with inflation has left the average student in England with 50p to live on per week after rent and bills. The crisis impacting university finances is the same that is driving students into poverty in increasing numbers. So let’s be clear: increases to university funding must be done hand in hand with increases to student maintenance funding. Rather than turning to the easy option of increasing fees, the sector and government must find a sustainable solution, starting by balancing public and private investment in higher education – currently just 16% of funding per student comes from the public sector." https://lnkd.in/e6Vz7s8J

With many Scottish universities under significant financial stress and several predicting deficits in the coming year, the potential rise of tuition fees in England, as discussed in the recent Wonkhe article, raises crucial questions for Scotland. The current funding model, while rooted in the principle of free tuition for home students, is becoming increasingly unsustainable. As higher fees across the border threaten to widen the funding gap, is it time for the Scottish Government to reconsider its approach before several institutions face the risk of insolvency? A sustainable, long-term funding solution is needed to protect the quality and accessibility of Scottish higher education. #HigherEducation #ScottishUniversities #UniversityFunding #Sustainability #AccessToEducation #PolicyChange

£9,535 a year for a great education - what’s the big deal? 🙄 It’s only a £1140 increase over a four-year degree… Hmmm. Naw. Not exactly the point though, is it? The average uni student already bears a hefty £45,600 debt upon graduating. That’s without adding the £26,800 in interest the average student pays across 31 years. University applications dropped back to back in the past two years. This news will do little to deter that happening for a third year with the class of 2025. People in this country are struggling, students more so than most, so for the government to promise student fees wouldn’t rise in the lead-up to the election and then go back on their word is a slap in the face. I understand the country is in a financial hole that needs funding, but already struggling students should not be on the chopping block, in my opinion. What do you think? #University #TuitionFees 

Tuition fees on the rise: what it means for future students and the silver lining ahead.. Tuition fees are set to rise for the first time in eight years, impacting students starting after April 2025, mainly those beginning in September 2025 and beyond. Avoiding political debate, it’s important to note that tuition fee changes don’t impact the monthly repayment amount for graduates, only how long they will be repaying - either up to 40 years until the loan is wiped or less if paid off earlier. Currently, only 52% of students in the current system are projected to repay their loans in full before they’re wiped, and higher fees could reduce that percentage even further. The silver lining? Maintenance loans, which are essential for most students and have been overdue for an increase, will see a more significant rise than tuition fees. It’s promising to see more attention on student access, but there’s still work to do. Preserving and strengthening essential programmes like Uni Connect (which has been subject to huge cuts) is crucial to prevent the access gap from widening.

For university students and those considering university These things are important to know about the increase in tuition fees and maintenance support #HigherEducation #Students #Universities

Important update: Tuition fees in England set to rise, marking a significant shift in higher education funding. This development could have a considerable impact on students, graduates, and universities. Stay informed and read the full details here: https://lnkd.in/e78735jP #EducationPolicy #TuitionFeesIncrease

Navigating the Student Fee Dilemma I find myself conflicted by the recent announcement on student fees. On one hand, I firmly believe that higher education should be accessible to all. It's a vital driver of social mobility and should not burden graduates with a lifetime of crippling debt. On the other hand, the current fee structure is simply unsustainable; many universities are facing serious financial challenges amid a culture of cuts. The reality is stark: universities cannot continue to function effectively at the current fee level of £9,250, which has remained unchanged since 2017. As tuition fees impact students directly, any adjustment influences their future debt levels and financial well-being. Graduates, too, feel the pinch when repayments cut into their monthly earnings, raising concerns about the long-term implications for social equity. We must find a balance. Ensuring that higher education remains accessible while equipping universities with the necessary resources is critical. This might require rethinking funding models or exploring innovative solutions that support both students and institutions without sacrificing accessibility. The debate on tuition fees is ongoing and complex, but prioritising a fair and sustainable approach is essential for the future of higher education in England.