AHEP 2025: Can UK Higher Education Stay Sustainable?

At the AHEP 2025 Conference, the central question was stark: “Is Higher Education, As We Know It, Sustainable?” For many UK universities, the outlook is challenging. Projections suggest up to 72% may face deficits by 2025–26, driven by falling domestic enrolment, a 16% drop in international student visa applications, and frozen tuition fees. To cope, universities are exploring a mix of survival strategies:

• Shared services like joint IT and procurement were discussed as cost-saving opportunities, though institutional competition remains a barrier.
• Mergers are being reconsidered, with successful examples like the University of Manchester cited.
• Staff and course cuts are on the table for those in urgent financial distress.

Beyond internal measures, government visa policies are hurting international student income, while just 36% of students feel their courses offer good value, adding pressure to maintain quality. Looking ahead, degree apprenticeships and similar models were presented as viable new revenue streams—offering access and sustainability without raising fees.

The takeaway: collaboration, innovation, and adaptability will be essential for universities to weather the coming financial storm.

How Parchment Digitary Services Can Help

As universities face tighter budgets and rising expectations, Parchment Digitary Services offers a smarter way to manage academic records.Our secure digital platform helps institutions:

• Cut administrative costs through streamlined credentialing
• Improve the student experience with faster, self-service access
• Support collaboration on joint awards and cross-border programmes
• Reduce fraud and strengthen compliance

It’s a future-ready solution that frees up time and resources for what matters most. If you would like to continue the conversation or explore how Parchment Digitary Services can support your institution’s goals, please connect with Scott Hutcheon, Business Development Manager.

There’s always more to learn.