Students at risk if universities go bust, say MPs
Summary
MPs warn that many universities in England face financial trouble and could go bankrupt soon. They say the government should protect students by preparing early plans to support those affected if a university closes or merges.Key Facts
- The Education Select Committee reports 24 universities are at risk of financial failure within a year.
- Some universities are already cutting jobs, closing courses, and selling land to raise money.
- An early warning system is needed so help can start before problems become critical.
- Options to protect students include merging universities, reorganizing, or orderly closures with protections.
- International students make up a quarter of students but pay nearly half of fee income, which helps fund research and domestic teaching.
- Fee freezes for undergraduates have hurt university finances, leading to more reliance on postgraduate and international fees.
- The government has raised the maximum tuition fee cap and is focused on financial stability in universities.
- Unions and student groups warn universities face a "financial cliff edge" and call for urgent government action.
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