University of Manchester Leader Warns international Student Levy Could Worsen UK Higher Education Crisis
MANCHESTER, UK - A proposed levy on international students’ tuition fees could further destabilize the financially strained UK higher education sector, according to Professor Dame nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Manchester (UoM). Rothwell warned that universities already grappling with budget shortfalls would struggle to absorb the additional cost.
“We would have to find ways to absorb that cost from our existing balance sheet so that’s tough at a time when so many universities are struggling.we’re in a solid financial position but we’re exposed to the headwinds. Imagine that for an institution that’s in a less robust financial condition. That’s really tough,” Rothwell stated.
The UK higher education sector is currently facing notable financial difficulties, leading to widespread staff redundancies and course cuts, as reported in February 2025. Universities have increasingly relied on income from international students – who pay higher tuition fees – to offset deficits in funding for UK students, whose tuition has not kept pace with inflation. However, recent changes to immigration and visa regulations have caused a decline in international student recruitment since 2023.
To bolster it’s financial future,the UoM this week launched a £400m fundraising appeal. Rothwell emphasized the importance of philanthropic support, stating, “We think philanthropy needs to be a big part of our future. It gives you a bit of independence from the state. It allows you to do things you wouldn’t otherwise be able to do, so it’s a really significant part of our thinking about future resilience and enabling us to do the transformative things we want to do.”
Rothwell believes increased philanthropic giving will provide the university with greater autonomy and enable continued innovation despite the challenging economic climate.
