In 2024, 40% of British universities will be in deficit, according to an estimate from the Office for Students, the regulatory body for higher education. The level of debt of certain institutions is also worrying. “They borrowed heavily to finance investments at a time when interest rates were low”notes Jamie Arrowsmith, director of Universities UK International, the sector's umbrella association. They are now struggling to honor their debts. Three to four institutions are even at imminent risk of bankruptcy, according to the University and College Union.
As a result, the sector is multiplying savings programs. “Around 70 universities have made layoffssays John Rushforth, an expert in university governance. Courses are canceled, even entire departments. » Sheffield Hallam and Portsmouth universities have announced that 400 positions are at risk, representing 9% and 11% of their workforce respectively. Coventry has planned cuts to save nearly 100 million pounds (nearly 120 million euros) by 2026. Others are considering merging.
At Kingston University in London, an institution which attracts many young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, there has been a complete overhaul of the curriculum. “We had to ask ourselves which courses are most likely to attract students, which will allow us to stand out from the competitionexplains Steven Spier, the vice-chancellor of the university. This forced us to remove some of them, like geology. »
High inflation
In total, the institution has given up seventy courses in recent years, particularly in the humanities and social sciences. Ancillary services, such as the establishment of a cultural program for the surrounding communities, building maintenance and software updating have also been reduced.
Like its peers, this establishment has suffered a drop of around 30% in its financial income since 2017. “The fees paid by students represent the main source of income for higher education institutions”notes Mr. Rushforth. However, their level has remained frozen at 9,250 pounds per year since 2017, despite a period of high inflation.
To make up for this shortfall, universities have sought to attract more foreign students. “There is no limit to the amounts we can charge them”slips Mr. Spier. Enrolling in medicine at the University of Cambridge costs, for example, £67,000 per year for non-UK residents.
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Source: Lemonde
