UK universities rush to cut tuition fees to win back international students amid decline
A number of universities in the U.K. are cutting postgraduate tuition fees by up to £8,000 (US$10,822) as falling international student numbers threaten revenues and deepen financial pressures.
At least 22 UK universities are automatically offering tuition fee discounts to international postgraduate students, according to a study by consultancy S Squared Insights. These discounts can range from £3,000 to £8,000 and are not required to be applied for or competed over. The University of Aberdeen is providing the largest reduction of up to £8,000, while the University of Kent is offering a £5,000 discount for master's programs in 14 countries and territories.
The University of Nottingham is offering a £3,000 reduction. This pricing war could potentially force universities to prioritize cost over educational quality, as they face declining numbers of international students. International students, who pay higher fees than domestic ones, are a crucial source of revenue for the education sector, but their numbers have been decreasing due to restrictions introduced in January 2024.
These restrictions have led to a 11% drop in applications for sponsored study visas, with a staggering 87% decrease since December 2023. The U.K. Department for Education has expressed concerns about the financial health of universities, with 124 institutions potentially facing budget deficits in the 2025-26 financial year without intervention.
Written by urgent.news from VnExpress International's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
