The recent Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) article, “The true cost of the Government’s proposed levy on international students,” suggests the proposed levy will cast a long shadow over the UK higher education sector. The proposed 6% levy on international student fees could create a financial strain of £621 million for universities in England, with institutions like UCL, Manchester, and KCL facing multi-million pound cuts. This comes at a time when the sector is already under significant financial pressure, with many providers projected to be in deficit by 2025/26.
The article rightly points out that this could be a major blow to the UK’s global competitiveness, noting that a similar proposal was rejected here in Australia. So, how can UK universities protect their student pipelines and maintain their position in a fiercely competitive global market? The answer lies in a proactive approach that turns a potential threat into a compelling new opportunity to attract and retain students.
Here are three ways that an early intervention platform, like the one offered by Successful Graduate, can help UK universities navigate these challenges and emerge stronger.
1. Drive a Significant Uplift in Enrolment Conversion Rates
When faced with a fee increase, international students will inevitably compare the value proposition of UK universities against those in other countries. The key to staying competitive is to offer more than just a degree. By providing pre-arrival and employability training as an incentive to prospective students, universities can give applicants a tangible reason to choose them.
A recent case study where Successful Graduate worked with London South Bank University (LSBU) and our partners at QS demonstrated this perfectly. Students who engaged with the Academic Readiness and Pre-Departure micro-credentials from Successful Graduate showed a remarkable 85.9% improvement in conversion rates over those who didn’t participate. The platform not only provides valuable skills but also fosters a sense of belonging and commitment to the university long before students even arrive on campus.
2. Enhance the Student Experience Without Draining Internal Resources
The HEPI report suggests that universities may have to reduce spending on teaching and research to absorb the cost of the levy, which would directly impact the student experience. This is a lose-lose situation. However, by adopting a customisable and scalable, off-the-shelf solution like Successful Graduate, universities can provide high-quality support at a fraction of the cost of building it themselves.
The course content, which includes modules on academic readiness, pre-departure logistics, and finding part-time work, is developed by industry professionals. Student surveys from partner institutions consistently show that the content is perceived as highly helpful and relevant, preparing them both academically and psychologically for their new life abroad. This allows universities to enhance their student support without over-taxing staff and other internal resources.
3. Respond to Evolving Employer and Student Needs
The job market continues to evolve, and employers are increasingly prioritising skills and work experience over a degree alone. Students are also acutely aware of this, with a majority prioritising learning new skills when choosing a university.
Successful Graduate’s courses are specifically designed to address these market demands by focusing on crucial soft skills that employers are actively seeking, such as resilience, adaptability, communication, and problem-solving. Indeed these skills sit at the top of the list of graduate skills deficits in QS Global Employer surveys. By embedding these skills into the student lifecycle from the moment of enquiry, universities demonstrate a commitment to graduate employability that goes far beyond a typical careers service. The products are designed specifically for University students, and go a long way towards addressing skills gaps.
The proposed international student levy presents a significant challenge, but with the right strategy, UK universities can mitigate the risks and bolster their competitive advantage. It’s about moving from a purely transactional relationship to a partnership that supports students throughout their entire journey, from application to career success.
I will be visiting the UK from September 15-19, 2025 and would welcome the opportunity to discuss how this model can work for your institution, either online or on-campus.
Book a meeting with me today: here