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UK universities cut courses as international student enrollment drops
The decrease in the number of international students has led UK universities to discontinue certain courses. According to a report by the Financial Times in January, UK universities saw a decline of over one-third in enrollment from key countries, including Nigeria and India.
This trend has prompted universities in the United Kingdom to slash courses due to the reduction in international student enrollment. As a result, some institutions are facing funding challenges. University leaders have expressed concern over losing one-third of foreign students, which has pushed institutions into financial loss. Consequently, they are forced to make difficult decisions such as closing entire courses and reducing teaching staff, among other measures.
John Rushforth, Executive Secretary of the University Chairs Committee, voiced apprehension, stating that bankruptcy is a realistic possibility, with one in ten universities already cutting staff this year. Rushforth emphasized that accepting fewer British students was a last resort, but it might become necessary to analyze every aspect of the situation seriously. READ ALSO: See graduation list of UK university dominated by Nigerian students
“Universities must think carefully about what they want to protect and make decisions on how best to reduce those things not core or central enough within their institution,” he said. “There will be fewer options for students. So either increase revenue or reduce quality or volume.”
Some universities have attributed the decline in Nigerian student enrollment to the economic crisis in their country, as the value of the naira plummeted against the Great Britain Pound Sterling. Furthermore, panic arose among universities when UK authorities announced the cessation of foreign students bringing dependents on study visas, fearing potential deficits.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced new immigration policies earlier this year, including halting international graduate students from bringing family members into the UK. Additionally, the government reviewed “graduate routes” that enable international students to have work opportunities for two years upon graduation from university studies in the UK.
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