By 2026–2027, fees from overseas students are expected to account for as much as 66% of all course fees received by 70 higher education institutions in England and Northern Ireland, according to a new study.
According to new study, by 2026–2027, fees from overseas students are expected to account for up to 66% of all course fee revenue at 70 higher education institutions in England and Northern Ireland.
PwC’s Financial Sustainability of the UK Higher Education sector report, which UUK commissioned, discovered that there could be “significant financial challenges” that could affect student outcomes and quality of provision. If there is a gradual or abrupt decline in the number of international students in the upcoming years, up to 80% of providers may experience a shortfall. An additional concern for balance accounts is inflationary pressures. According to the report, while pressures are not felt equally throughout the industry, many providers are deferring investments in digital and physical infrastructure in order to preserve cash flow.
Some, however, have improved their operations through back-office transformation, digital solution adoption, estate rationalisation, and strategic relationship building to “drive their top-line and reduce their cost base.”
