Many universities in the United Kingdom are facing potential financial deficits due to a significant decline in international students following Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s ban on bringing dependents into the country.

The UK Home Office recently implemented a policy preventing Nigerian and other overseas students from bringing dependents through the study visa route.

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move is expected to impact the revenue of universities heavily dependent on fees from non-EU students.

Vivienne Stern, CEO of Universities UK, expressed concern over a potential “serious overcorrection” due to immigration policies deterring international students.

Top universities, including York, have reportedly relaxed entry requirements to maintain overseas student numbers.

With tuition fees for domestic students frozen, UK universities have increasingly relied on non-EU students, constituting nearly 20% of sector income.

The recent policy changes and a hostile environment have led to a sharp decline in international student enrollments, potentially causing financial strain on the sector.

A PwC analysis predicts that around 40% of universities are expected to be in deficit in 2023-24, rising to 19% by 2025-26.

The declining international enrollments could further force universities to cut provisions and delay investments, compromising the quality of education.

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Government officials, including Higher Education Minister Robert Halfon, assert the need to strike a balance between addressing net migration concerns and attracting the brightest students to study at UK universities.