Only 36 per cent believe graduates end up better off
A British Social Attitudes survey finds a third of people no longer believe a degree is worth the time or money, and only 36 per cent think graduates end up financially better off. Public belief in the graduate premium has been the foundation of the fee system for twenty years, and this is the clearest sign it has gone. Making the most of university covers what still moves outcomes.
The loan inquiry starts taking evidence
MPs’ inquiry into the student loan system in England has begun hearing evidence, in the same week as that polling. Select committee inquiries accept written submissions from anyone, including students and graduates, and personal accounts of what repayment has meant are exactly what they ask for.
Job cuts mount across the sector
Aggregated data from a coalition of pathway providers shows job cuts accumulating across UK universities under financial strain — the cumulative picture behind the individual announcements at Ulster, Nottingham, Edinburgh and elsewhere this year. For students it means fewer staff teaching the same courses next year.
Airfares and flight disruption before the September intake
Universities are watching rising airfares and possible flight disruption ahead of September arrivals, with some warning students to plan earlier than usual. If you are arriving from abroad, book with changeable tickets where you can and tell the university if you will be late — arrival deadlines are a sponsorship requirement, not an administrative preference.