UK Universities Face Financial Crisis: Tuition Fee Hike Proposed

Education watchdog suggests raising fees and easing visa restrictions to prevent potential bankruptcies.

Interim chair of the Office for Students warns of significant fiscal deficits in higher education.
Frozen tuition fees since 2012 and declining international student numbers exacerbate financial pressures.
Government officials consider root-and-branch reform of the university funding model.
Mergers and partnerships among institutions are recommended as a strategic response.
Education Secretary acknowledges the challenge but finds fee increases 'unpalatable.'