UK universities warn of cuts for impoverished students if dire funding issues continue
UK universities are facing severe funding challenges that may lead to cuts in hardship support for impoverished students. A recent poll indicates that nearly a third of vice-chancellors would reduce such support, while many are considering staff layoffs and hiring freezes. Experts warn that these cuts could make higher education less accessible for disadvantaged students, exacerbating existing inequalities.
- ▪Nearly a third of vice-chancellors would cut hardship funding for current students if necessary.
- ▪More than half of vice-chancellors are prepared to cut access and outreach activities aimed at encouraging disadvantaged students to attend university.
- ▪Experts warn that cutting hardship support could disproportionately affect the poorest students, who already face significant financial pressures.
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| Original publisher | World news | The Guardian |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/education/2026/may/25/uk-universities-cuts-impoverished-students-funding |
| Publication time | Sun, 24 May 2026 23:01:09 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-24T23:17:34.919Z |
| Last seen | 2026-05-24T23:41:44.377Z |
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Universities are considering mergers with other institutions, like King’s College London, which recently announced it will absorb Cranfield University. Photograph: Jeffrey Blackler/AlamyView image in fullscreenUniversities are considering mergers with other institutions, like King’s College London, which recently announced it will absorb Cranfield University. Photograph: Jeffrey Blackler/AlamyStudentsUK universities warn of cuts for impoverished students if dire funding issues continue Nearly a third of vice-chancellors would cut hardship support if necessary over next three years, according to pollRichard Adams Education editorSun 24 May 2026 19.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleVice-chancellors have said they may need to cut hardship support for impoverished students and reduce…
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