University of Suffolk sees increasing financial pressures

Universities UK (UUK) recently published a survey of 60 institutions across the UK, which showed that several of them were facing financial pressures which had led to some cutting courses at their universities. 

UUK chief executive, Vivienne Stern, said that the survey was “deeply sobering”.

However, Ipswich-based University of Suffolk has said that while it is facing increasing costs, it is trying to combat it by increasing student enrolment and investing in courses. 

A spokesperson from the University of Suffolk said: “Like most universities, the University of Suffolk is under considerable financial pressure due to rising costs, including the recent National Insurance increase, and we have an ongoing programme to maximise efficiency and digital transformation.

“While we increased our undergraduate and international student numbers at our Ipswich campus in 2024-25, there is an increasingly competitive student recruitment environment.

"Alongside our close management of costs, we continue to invest in new courses and facilities, such as our new esports course, which is launching this September.”

The university is also making an esports hub in Ipswich. (Image: University of Suffolk/Concertus) While the increased pressures are in part due to the National Insurance increase, universities across the country have also reported a lower number of international students applying.

International students pay a higher tuition fee than UK students.

Since January 2024, international students in the UK have been banned from bringing dependents with them, and the previous Conservative government also considered removing the graduate route visa, which gives international students two years to find jobs in the UK without a sponsor. 

READ MORE: Opinion: Student migration restrictions hurt universities

A Home Office report showed that study visa applications were down 24% in the year to April 2025 compared with the previous 12 months, from 582,500 to 441,700.

Jo Grady, general secretary of the University and College Union (UCU) (Image: Shikhar Talwar)

Jo Grady, general secretary of the University and College Union (UCU), told PA: “Today’s data confirms UK universities remain under severe financial stress.

“The Home Office must now think again and pull any further attacks on international students from its immigration white paper.

“If Labour instead chooses to act like Reform-light and erect more barriers to those wanting to study here, there is a danger universities could go under."