The UK's prestigious higher education system is facing unprecedented challenges, with top universities warning of a decline in attractiveness due to funding shortages and tighter regulations on overseas students.
The annual QS 2025 university rankings, released on Tuesday, revealed that more than half (52) of the UK's universities slipped down the list, out of 90 institutions ranked.
Imperial College London bucked the trend, rising from sixth to second place, surpassing Oxford and Cambridge for the first time. However, the overall picture is bleak, with universities struggling to cope with funding cuts and a significant drop in international student applications.
According to Jessica Turner, head of QS, "British higher education has limited capacity remaining to continue excelling in the face of funding shortages, drops in student applications, and restrictions affecting the intake of international students."
The Conservative government's recent measures to reduce regular migration have been criticized by universities, which rely heavily on the higher fees paid by international students.
The new policies, including barring overseas students from bringing dependents and hiking the minimum salary needed for skilled workers' visas, have led to a 30,000 decline in student visa applications in the first four months of the year, compared to the same period in 2023.
Universities are warning that the funding crisis and student shortage will have long-term consequences for the sector, including reduced research capabilities, diminished global reputation, and decreased economic contributions.
As the UK's higher education system faces an uncertain future, universities are urging the government to reconsider its policies and provide adequate funding to support their continued excellence.