Experts are warning that the next government in England will face tough decisions when it comes to the country's universities.
The Institute for (IFS) has stated that ministers will have to choose between raising tuition fees, providing direct grants, or capping student numbers in order to address the financial challenges facing universities.
According to the IFS, universities that heavily rely on income from teaching UK students are particularly at risk. The institute highlighted that if tuition fees had kept up with inflation, they would now be at £12,000 instead of the frozen rate of £9,250 since 2016.
The situation presents difficult and "unpalatable" choices for the government, as they grapple with how to support universities in England facing financial difficulties.
What are the difficult choices facing the next government in regards to English universities?
The next government faces choices between raising tuition fees, making direct grants, or capping student numbers to address the financial challenges universities are facing.
Why are universities in England facing financial difficulties?
Universities in England are facing financial difficulties because undergraduate tuition fees have been frozen at £9,250 since 2016, while they would have been £12,000 if they had kept pace with inflation.
Which universities are most vulnerable according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies?
Universities that rely on teaching UK students for the majority of their income are considered most vulnerable by the Institute for Fiscal Studies.