Restrictions on visas for international students are leading to significant financial challenges for universities in the United Kingdom.

This statement was made on Thursday, with calls for an increase in domestic tuition fees to address substantial deficits.

The president of Universities UK (UUK), representing 141 higher education institutions in Britain, noted that all universities are experiencing financial strain since the implementation of these restrictions last year.

Sally Mapstone emphasized, "We face a critical decision: we can either let our esteemed and globally competitive higher education system deteriorate or we can unite to take action."

According to a House of Commons research paper, the total income for the British higher education sector in 2022-23 exceeded £50 billion ($66 billion), primarily derived from tuition fees and grants.

International students typically contribute more in tuition fees compared to domestic students, making them a vital revenue source for many institutions.

However, the previous government, led by Conservative ex-prime minister Rishi Sunak, imposed restrictions on overseas student visas and prohibited them from bringing family members, as part of a broader effort to control immigration levels.

Official statistics indicate that in the first four months of 2024, there were 30,000 fewer applications from international students compared to the same period in 2023.

Universities have been raising alarms for months regarding the financial implications, with concerns that budget shortfalls could lead to course reductions and even institutional closures.

During a UUK conference in Reading, west of London, Mapstone revealed that the current deficit in the sector stands at £1.7 billion for teaching and £5 billion for research.

She called for "investment and support" from the government to sustain high-quality teaching and research.

Domestic tuition fees increased from £9,000 to £9,250 per year in 2017 but have remained unchanged since then, despite rising inflation. Shitij Kapur, head of King’s College London, suggested that fees should now range between £12,000 and £13,000.

During a video address at the UUK conference, the newly appointed Secretary of Education for the Labour government, Bridget Phillipson, recognized the intricate challenges confronting universities.

She acknowledged, “I cannot guarantee effortless or immediate solutions. However, I firmly commit to dedicating the necessary attention and unwavering commitment to addressing these matters.”