The university clarified that while the typical offer for undergraduate applicants usually demands A grades at A-level, the new policy allows the admission of some international undergraduates with the equivalent of B or C at A-level.
The university clarified that while the typical offer for undergraduate applicants usually demands A grades at A-level, the new policy allows the admission of some international undergraduates with the equivalent of B or C at A-level.
The University of York has decided to implement a more flexible approach towards admitting international students with grades lower than the usual requirements amid financial challenges and recruitment pressures.
The prestigious Russell Group University conveyed this directive to its staff through an email, as reported by the Financial Times via The Guardian.
“In response to the current financial challenges, the university has decided to lower its tariff for all departments and programmes for overseas applicants,” the email stated.
The university clarified that while the typical offer for undergraduate applicants usually demands A grades at A-level, the new policy allows the admission of some international undergraduates with the equivalent of B or C at A-level.
Additionally, entry into postgraduate courses will now require a 2:2 award or similar, rather than a 2:1.
A spokesperson for the University of York said that the adjustment aligns international student admissions with the flexible approach already in place for UK students.
“This enables us to remain competitive in a global market. It also allows us to take context and individual circumstances into account,” he said.“This is important for both UK and international students, as we recognise that inequalities of place and background limit opportunities to evidence ability and potential.”
The university maintained that it has not lowered the entry grades for international students as advertised.
The University of York also assured that it has allocated additional resources, including extra math support, for all students who join with grades lower than their offer.
Financial challenges
The move comes at a time when British universities, facing financial constraints, increasingly depend on income from international student fees.
A previous report from the House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee has raised concerns about the heavy reliance of British universities on international students to offset frozen tuition fees and increasing costs, the Independent reported.
The report criticized both the government and the Office for Students, stating that they are not adequately addressing the potential crisis.
The committee argued that the regulator lacks independence and the trust of educational providers, failing to address the financial risks faced by universities relying on international and postgraduate students.
The report called for a stable, long-term funding model for the sector and recommends more frequent discussions between the Office for Students and educational providers regarding financial situations. It also suggested holding providers accountable for providing clear information to prospective students and questions the independence of the regulator’s chair.
In response, the Office for Students acknowledged the risks and committed to protecting the interests of students.
The Department for Education contended that the higher education sector remains financially stable overall, with international students representing just 15 percent of all undergraduate entrants.
The government also promised to consider the report’s recommendations and respond accordingly.
The freeze in tuition fees for domestic students in England since 2016 and cuts in national government funding for universities in Scotland have added to the financial pressures on higher education institutions.
Government policies
Notably, the UK government is exploring measures to reduce the number of visas issued to international students as part of immigration reduction efforts.
The removal of the ability for many overseas students to be accompanied by family members this year has further complicated the landscape.
Financial impact on HEIs
Several universities have voiced difficulties in recruiting international students due to government policies, creating a competitive environment with countries like Canada and Australia.
Coventry University, in its recent annual report, cited the impact of the UK government’s response to migration and economic issues on its recruitment of international students.
Meanwhile, Russell Group universities revealed financial challenges, with an average loss of around £2,500 in teaching UK undergraduates due to frozen fees.
Consequently, many institutions have increased international student numbers, whose fees are not capped and can exceed domestic fees by £10,000 (US$12,730) or more.
In the academic year 2022-2023, University College London reported a 17 percent increase in tuition fee income, driven predominantly by the growth in the full-time international student base.
Similarly, the University of Liverpool experienced a significant rise in international tuition fee income, nearly surpassing its earnings from UK and EU student fees.
However, institutions like the Open University, which rely more on UK students, have suffered financial setbacks.
The Open University recorded an operating deficit of £25 million (approximately $32 million) last year, attributing it to the cost of living crisis and shifting student behaviors post-pandemic. The institution anticipates a further decline in student numbers in the current year.
The University of York, guided by values of excellence, equality, and universal opportunity, was founded in 1963. With over 20,000 students and 5,000 staff today, the institution maintains high academic and ethical standards, fostering diversity and a strong sense of belonging.
