Higher education in Wales on a cliff-edge

THE Welsh higher education sector is in a sorry state.

For various reasons, the vicechancellors of Swansea and Bangor universities are currently facing either suspension or premature departure. Recently, Cardiff University announced significant staff redundancies alongside a massive £21m deficit in its finances. And we now hear that Bangor, which has a £8.5m deficit, is probably axing its flagship chemistry course, one of the few that is also offered in the medium of Welsh. Across the sector, from Aberystwyth to Wrexham, there is a similar story of budget shortfalls compounded by the spectre of declining student numbers.

Already, Wales is facing a far steeper decline in student numbers than any other part of the UK. This is especially true for EU students, whose numbers this year have declined by an alarming 21%, largely due to Brexit uncertainties. Brexit is also directly affecting our research funding, much of which comes via EU-based agencies and is unlikely to be available post-Brexit.

We are in danger of spiralling into a decline whereby we continue to lose students and staff, as well as our capacity to be an engine of innovation for the country. The new First Minister should tackle this issue, which is central to the future of Wales as a knowledge-driven economy, as a matter of urgent priority.