May 22, 2024
Today the Principal of the University of Aberdeen is expected to confirm to staff that the University has achieved significant cost savings and is in a good position to pursue new revenue, since the UK higher education sector experienced a dramatic fall in international student recruitment in the autumn.
Universities UK reports that in January the sector recorded a fall of 44% year on year in enrolment – with a very serious impact on the finances of universities. It links the fall to the UK government’s pronouncements and policy changes on immigration.
The Institute of Fiscal Studies highlights that Scottish Universities are also impacted by a fall of 19% over a decade in the value of Scottish Government funding.
Speaking to colleagues the Principal, Professor George Boyne, is also expected to express the hope that Ministers will not impose further restrictions on student visas including the post-study work visa’.
He indicates that at Aberdeen, swift strategic measures such as voluntary severance, reductions in operating costs, early retirements and a drive for new revenues, have resulted in the University closing a projected budget gap of £20m for academic year 2024/25.
The University’s annual report which it initially began writing last year, outlines in accountancy terms the potential risk for the university if it had not taken swift effective measures.
Professor Boyne thanks colleagues for their contribution. He says: “With your help we moved quickly and effectively to combat the financial pressures on our university. However universities still have a challenge to address the impact of immigration policy. It is my sincere hope that Ministers will not proceed to impose further restrictions on student visas. Pronouncements on this issue have in themselves already deterred so many from coming to the UK”.
Later this week the UK Government is expected to release its response to the independent review from the Migration Advisory Committee which recommended no further restrictions on student visas.