The Wonkhe Show Podcast: Year ahead, International, Governance
Sep 5, 2025
Anton Muscatelli, Principal at the University of Glasgow, Dani Payne, Head of Education and Social Mobility at the Social Market Foundation, and James Coe, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, dive into the pressing challenges facing UK higher education. They discuss potential tuition increases and the tightening immigration landscape for international students. The conversation highlights the impact of financial strains, the need for better governance practices, and the importance of addressing the gap between international students' expectations and reality.
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A Pivotal Year For Higher Education
- The sector faces a year where funding, REF changes and international policy will force hard choices on universities.
- James Coe predicts this could be the year decisions are forced on structure, fees or collapse if nothing changes.
Levy Risks Hitting Vulnerable Universities
- An international student levy only works if students still choose to come despite higher total costs.
- Dani Payne warns the levy will hit lower-tariff providers recruiting price-sensitive students hardest.
Visa Compliance Targets Will Shape Recruitment
- The Home Office's new compliance indicators will penalise universities with high refusal or non-completion rates.
- Anton Muscatelli notes Russell Group institutions are less at risk but many providers will face action plans.