Each month, your Education Officer Abdullah Sayyed, will break down what’s happening across the Higher Education sector - in clear language - and what it means for you.
Hi everyone!
Welcome to the very first Higher Education Briefing - a monthly update to help you stay on top of everything that affects your education and student experience at Coventry University.
Plus, we’ll take this briefing on tour to all Coventry University locations for an in-person event once a year. Our first in-person one is in CU Scarborough on 6 November 2025 - and we’d love to see you there!
Here’s what you can count on in every edition:
- What’s changing in UK Higher Education
- Updates to student visas and fees
- Coventry-specific news and funding wins
- The support you can access right now
Key Sector & Policy Updates - What You Should Know
• 732,285 international students studied in the UK in 2023/24 - that’s about one in every four students.
- It should be noted that universities rely heavily on international fees to fund teaching and facilities used by all students.
• A proposed 6% levy on international student fee income could cost universities over £620 million each year.
- This means tighter budgets, fewer new services, and universities may become more selective about recruitment.
• The Government plans to reduce the Graduate Route to 18 months from 1 January 2027.
- Meaning International graduates will have less time to find work, making career support and employer links more important.
• From 11 November 2025, students must show more money for visa financial requirements:
- £1,171/month outside London
- £1,529/month in London
- This could make studying in the UK harder to afford, especially without scholarships or part-time work.
• The number of 18-year-olds in England will fall by ~17% by 2040.
- With fewer UK students in future, universities may face more competition, course closures, or rising pressure on funding.
• A new Government White Paper on post-16 education and skills aims to make universities:
- More financially sustainable
- More focused on skills and jobs
- More aligned with the needs of the UK economy
- The direction of higher education could shift towards courses with clearer employment outcomes.
What This Means for You
- International Students should prepare for: Changing visa rules and stricter documentation
- Graduate Route adjustments
- Workshops and advice - and remember, we’re here to help every step
Home-based Students should prepare for:
Sector changes mean student voice matters more than ever - especially on:
- Funding pressures
- University services and support
- Skills development opportunities
Coventry University Update:
Coventry University Group has secured £1 million through the Turing Scheme to help more of you to study, work, or volunteer abroad.
This could be a fantastic opportunity to:
- gain international experience
- boost your employability
- explore the world while studying
More info (including eligibility and how to apply) will be shared as guidance is released.
Support Available
The SU and university are working together to make sure you’re supported:
- Monthly briefings — right here
- One in-person briefing event each year
- Immigration, academic & wellbeing services
- Your questions powering our future editions
Got a question? Want something explained next month?
This briefing is built with you and for you.
Submit topics via the online feedback platform.
Updates will be provided each month via yoursu.org.