University hit by fall in international students

University of Sussex vice chancellor Sasha Roseneil is urging the government to reverse a decision to stop international students bringing their families to the UK during their studies

The University of Sussex's vice-chancellor has said universities sector-wide are losing about £3,500 this year for each UK undergraduate taught.

Sasha Roseneil said tuition fees have not increased since they were set at £9,250 in 2017, and, as costs have risen, its UK students costs are normally subsidised by international fees.

But Prof Roseneil said the university has seen a 40% drop in international students this year, meaning it has been forced to make £44m of cuts to balance its books.

A spokesperson for the Department for Education said the government is “committed to reviewing the higher education funding system, to deliver for our economy, for universities and for students”.

Prof Roseneil said: “The last government changed the policy so international students couldn’t bring their families with them to study.

“Basically overnight, we’ve lost vast numbers of students and their fees, which were subsidising UK students.”

Expanding opportunities

The vice chancellor said the university’s £44m worth of cuts have been taken from projects for improving and maintaining infrastructure and buildings.

“There’s been change of tone from the government, they have said that the war against universities is over,” said Prof Roseneil.

“They now need to change the policy on international students [to] allow international students to bring their dependents, and they need to give us an uplift in the tuition fee and in the grants that come to universities.”

A spokesperson for the DfE said the government believes every young person, regardless of their background, should have the opportunity to attend university.

“That’s why we are dedicated to creating a sustainable higher education funding system that supports students, expands opportunities and upholds the excellence of our world-leading universities,” they said.