A friend of mine, currently working at a university in the UK, shared that UK universities are facing a financial crisis, and the research institute at his university might close down. This situation largely stems from visa restrictions and a decrease in the number of international students. However, this is not just a problem for the UK. Universities worldwide, including those in Japan and South Korea, may face similar challenges, highlighting a pressing global issue that requires proactive measures.
The UK is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities. However, Brexit and the Conservative government’s stricter visa policies have made it increasingly difficult to attract international students. In 2022, approximately 760,000 foreign students were enrolled in UK universities, but since 2023, the number of student visas issued has plummeted. This has directly impacted university finances, as international students pay over three times the tuition fees of domestic students, contributing significantly to operational budgets. With the decline in international student numbers due to visa restrictions, universities with high proportions of foreign students are now at risk of closure. The restrictions on work rights for spouses of international students have particularly led to a sharp drop in Indian student numbers, while Nigeria’s foreign exchange crisis has caused a similar decline in Nigerian students.
Japanese universities are also experiencing significant challenges. As of 2024, 59.2% of private universities in Japan reported falling short of their enrollment capacity, the highest rate ever recorded. Meanwhile, national and public universities have maintained stable applicant numbers. However, declining birthrates and a shrinking population mean the number of university applicants will continue to decrease, exacerbating the under-enrollment problem. Even in major urban areas like Tokyo, the increasing number of under-enrolled universities underscores the magnitude of the challenges facing Japan’s higher education system.
South Korea has been actively working to attract more international students. However, while competition among prestigious universities is intensifying, regional universities are struggling to recruit students. Similar to Japan, South Korea is experiencing a steep decline in its school-age population, which poses a critical threat to smaller and regional institutions.
The crisis facing UK universities is not an isolated issue. Universities worldwide, including those in Japan and South Korea, are encountering similar difficulties in attracting students and securing funding, prompting fundamental questions about the role and necessity of universities.
Universities are not just centers for knowledge transfer but vital hubs for social, economic, and cultural development. For universities to survive, bold innovation and global cooperation are essential. From revising visa policies and providing financial support to reforming curricula and admission strategies, it is time for a collective effort to find solutions. Universities must adapt to societal changes, meet new demands, and build innovative education systems for the future. The crisis in higher education will inevitably bring significant changes to various aspects of society, and it is crucial to develop appropriate measures starting now.
Wonsuh Song (Ph.D.)
Full-time Lecturer, Faculty of School Teacher Education, Shumei University
Adjunct Lecturer, Faculty of Education, Waseda University
Visiting Researcher, Center for Spatial Information Science, University of Tokyo
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