Committee publication · Correspondence · 3 June 2025
Letter from Professor Malcolm Press CBE on Higher Education and Funding: Threat of Insolvency and International Students, dated 27.05.25
From: Education Committee
Inquiry: Higher Education and Funding: Threat of Insolvency and International Students
Summary
Professor Malcolm Press, Vice-Chancellor of Manchester Metropolitan University and incoming President of Universities UK, provides supplementary evidence to the Education Committee on higher education funding. He substantiates claims about university economic impact, documents severe disruption to Nigerian student recruitment from currency devaluation, and presents survey data showing widespread cost-cutting across 60 universities including course closures, department consolidations, and threatened research investment cuts.
Key findings
- Manchester Metropolitan University generated £1.4 billion GVA across Greater Manchester in 2022/23, supporting 23,880 jobs—exceeding combined output of Manchester United and Manchester City (£1.1 billion, 21,000 jobs).
- Nigerian student visa grants to UK universities fell 68% between 2022 and 2024, following Naira devaluation in June 2023; Nigeria had been third-largest source market after India and China.
- 49% of surveyed institutions (60 universities) closed courses; 55% consolidated others; 18% closed entire departments in response to frozen tuition fees and government international student restrictions.
- 19% have already reduced research investment; 79% considering future research cuts despite attempts to protect student hardship funding.
- Nearly half of respondents report potential need to cut student bursary and hardship support over next three years.
Tone
FactualTopics
Key actors
Professor Malcolm Press CBE, Helen Hayes MP, Manchester Metropolitan University, Universities UK, University of Manchester, Home Office, UK universities sector
Notable line
“… the survey provides a clear picture of ways in which the sector is responding to financial pressure.”
Key Quotes
“A BIGGAR Economics report, forming the basis of our forthcoming Economic Impact Report, found in 2022/23 the university generated £1.4 billion across Greater Manchester, and supported 23,880 jobs in the region.”
“After the sharp devaluing of the Naira in June 2023, many Nigerian students were unable to afford to study in the UK as the cost had increased dramatically.”
“In terms of provision and student choice, the survey found 49% of responding institutions had closed courses, 55% had consolidated others, and 18% had closed departments.”
“Of concern, 19% have reduced investment in research, and 79% are considering future reductions.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗