New Vice Chancellor Tom Lawson also warns ‘It is unlikely that this scheme is going to be the only measure that we need to implement’
The University of Hull (Image: Donna Clifford/HullLive)
The University of Hull has launched a call for volunteers to leave, as a steep decline in international student numbers impacts its finances. The institution has more than 14,000 students enrolled, including thousands from scores of countries around the globe.
However, while ‘home’ undergraduate numbers have risen at the Cottingham Road site this year, an update to staff from new Vice Chancellor Professor Tom Lawson, who took up his role in June, highlights a sharp drop in international numbers.
Prof Lawson’s letter says the reduction in international student numbers “will have a substantial impact on the University’s income”. He also warns the decline will continue to “affect future years too”.
In response, Prof Lawson says the university is taking action to reduce costs, by carrying out vacancy management measures – but warns that further measures are needed, starting with a call out for volunteers looking to leave. His update to staff also warns that other measures will be necessary.
It is not yet known how many staff members the university will look to lose, but it is understood it currently has around 2,000 professors, lecturers, research and professional services staff.
In the letter, which has been seen by Hull Live, Prof Lawson says: “For the first time in several years we increased applications by the UCAS equal consideration deadline in January, and now we anticipate that at the end of the cycle we will have increased home UG (under graduate) recruitment by around 8%. This is a brilliant result and a vindication of hard work across the institution. Well done to all colleagues both in faculties and professional services that have been involved in this effort.
“Contrasting with this success the picture for international recruitment is looking incredibly challenging. Across the sector, international student recruitment is estimated to be around 43% below previous levels, and we are experiencing the same steep decline in numbers here too.
“As a result, despite us attracting more prospective home undergraduates, the reduction in international student numbers will have a substantial impact on the University’s income. This is anticipated to be a long-term shift in demand for international programmes, and so will affect future years too.
“Over recent months, significant work has been undertaken across the University to manage the projected shortfall in income for the 26/27 academic year, including vacancy management measures.
“However, we now know that we are going to have to go much further and need to introduce some measures to reduce our costs in order to protect the University’s long term financial sustainability.”
“As a first move, we are therefore introducing a Voluntary Exit Scheme, which opens today (9 September) until Friday 2 October , designed to give colleagues the opportunity to leave the University. It is unlikely that this scheme is going to be the only measure that we need to implement to reduce the University’s cost base over this and future years, and we will talk you through any further plans at the earliest opportunity.”
More details are set to be delivered to the staff at an event next week.
In July the university published a report highlighting the significant contribution international students make to the local economy. A study, published by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) and Kaplan International Pathways, with analysis carried out by London Economics, show they generate an estimated £227m in economic value for the city and surrounding region over the course of their studies.
In a statement, Prof Tom Lawson told Hull Live: “The higher education sector has changed significantly in a relatively short period of time, and universities across the country are having to make difficult decisions. At Hull, we’re responding to those challenges, but we’re also looking ahead and thinking carefully about the role we want to play in the future.
“As we approach our centenary, we’re developing a new strategy that will shape the University’s direction for the next decade and beyond. We want Hull to remain ambitious, sustainable and closely connected to the communities we serve, helping to create opportunity, develop skills, support innovation and contribute to the region’s growth.
“To do that, we also need to deal with the immediate financial pressures facing the sector. While many factors contribute to the financial pressures facing universities, there is no question that recent changes to visa policy, and the large increase in visa refusals, have had a significant impact on international student recruitment.
“We’ve already taken steps to reduce costs and manage vacancies, but those measures alone are not enough. That’s why we’ve opened a Voluntary Exit Scheme. These are difficult decisions and we do not take them lightly. However, taking action now puts us in a better position to invest in our future and continue delivering for our students, our partners and the region. “
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