UK universities warn of cuts for impoverished students if dire funding issues continue
Nearly a third of vice-chancellors would cut hardship support if necessary over next three years, according to poll
TL;DR
- Vice-chancellors may cut hardship support for impoverished students and outreach to disadvantaged groups due to funding struggles.
- Over two-thirds of vice-chancellors are prepared to cut staff jobs by compulsory redundancy if difficulties continue.
- Nearly 90% of vice-chancellors are considering hiring freezes or voluntary redundancies.
- Nearly a third of vice-chancellors would cut hardship funding for current students if necessary.
- More than half of vice-chancellors are prepared to cut access and outreach activity over the next three years.
- Experts warn these cuts risk making higher education inaccessible for those who need it most and represent a waste of human potential.
- Cutting hardship funds could dramatically affect the lives of the poorest students, who are more likely to face food insecurity and work pressures.
- Cuts to participation and outreach risk widening access gaps between affluent and less affluent young people.
- Universities are considering mergers and partnerships, with King's College London set to absorb Cranfield University.
- University staff unions call for government investment in jobs and capacity to re-establish the UK as a global higher education leader.
- Student unions highlight that maintenance loans have not kept pace with inflation, increasing student debt.