UK universities warn of financial crisis amid falling international student numbers

UK university leaders are warning of a potential financial crisis driven by a significant decline in international student enrollments. Home Office figures show that student visa applications fell 11% compared to the previous year through the end of July. Some institutions fear international enrollments could drop by as much as 30%, threatening the sector's financial stability and staffing levels.

Prof. Shitij Kapur, vice-chancellor of King’s College London, noted that every five international students typically support one university job. Libby Hackett, chief executive of the Russell Group, stated that the decline in international students has resulted in a net economic loss of nearly £3bn. Sector leaders are calling on the government to reconsider levies on international student fees to prevent universities from facing insolvency.