Welsh Universities are facing financial challenges more than ever, with the very real prospect of job losses across the sector. Inflation, reduction in international students and a stall in tuition fees have all contributed to the financial hardship.
However, in a bid to help, the education minister Vikki Howells has allocated a further £18.5million in funding this year to assist with estate maintenance and digital projects. It is hoped that the money will ensure a high-quality student experience of university facilities and will improve environmental sustainability. In addition, £500,000 is being invested to promote the activities of Welsh universities in a bid to encourage international student recruitment.
The minister has invited all vice-chancellors of Welsh universities to a roundtable meeting for more discussions about the current challenges and to safeguard the future of higher education institutions in Wales, which Ms Howells has said are the “anchor institutions in our economies, our communities and our culture”.
This short-term investment will no doubt provide some relief across the board, but we wait to hear about medium to long-term solutions that will protect our universities.
