Podcast: Year ahead, international, governance

This week on the podcast we examine the challenges facing UK higher education as another tough academic year begins with government finances stretched and the sector languishing at the bottom of political priorities.

With the post-16 education white paper still pending and rumours swirling about tuition fee increases and international student levies, what does the year ahead hold for universities already struggling with funding pressures?

Plus we discuss the latest crackdown on international students as 130,000 are warned about visa overstaying and further restrictions on dependants loom, and ask whether new governance recommendations – from paying board members to live-streaming meetings – can restore confidence in university leadership after high-profile failures.

With Anton Muscatelli, Principal at University of Glasgow, Dani Payne, Head of Education and Social Mobility at the Social Market Foundation, James Coe, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

What’s coming up for HE policy in 2025–26

For student leaders, it’s been a Cruel Summer

Enhancing higher education governance will require agility and accountability

From where student governors sit, Dundee isn’t the only institution with governance challenges

The exploitation of international students begins before they enrol

What’s happened with dependants since the PGT ban?

International students and asylum claims

Home Office Eyes More Restrictions On International Student Visas

International students warned not to overstay visas