Universities UK (UUK) has warned that proposed government crackdowns on student visas will exacerbate the financial crisis facing higher education institutions. The warning comes ahead of an immigration white paper expected to target visa applications from nationalities deemed likely to overstay and claim asylum.
Vivienne Stern, chief executive of UUK, said universities face 'a critical moment' and that new restrictions would limit their ability to recruit international students, further reducing income. Universities have already seen a steep decline in international student recruitment after previous visa restrictions, including limits on bringing family and dependents.
Reports suggest that applicants from countries such as Nigeria, Pakistan and Sri Lanka could face additional restrictions. The government is working with the National Crime Agency to profile applicants likely to claim asylum. Nearly 10,000 asylum claimants who arrived legally on work or study visas were living in taxpayer-funded accommodation last year.
Stern accused the government of distracting from the visa issue with a story about vice-chancellor pay. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson plans to publish league tables detailing pay at universities where graduates do not go on to good jobs or further education. A Whitehall source said: 'A hard rain is going to fall on universities that continue to be so blasé about executive pay increases while letting down students.'
Stern defended vice-chancellors' pay, describing their roles as difficult and complex. She said the government should focus on stabilising universities rather than 'distraction techniques'. A UUK survey of 60 universities found that a quarter have made compulsory redundancies, 49% have closed courses, and 18% have closed entire departments. Three in five have scaled back repairs and maintenance.
A Department for Education spokesperson said the government inherited a sector facing serious financial risk and remains committed to fixing the foundations of higher education to secure long-term financial sustainability.
