The University of York will admit certain international students with lesser grades. Staff have been instructed to take a'more flexible approach' in a move that the institution claims will bring restrictions in line with those for UK offer-holders.

 The University of York will admit certain international students with lesser grades: 

Staff have been instructed to take a'more flexible approach' in a move that the institution claims will bring restrictions in line with those for UK offer-holders.

The University of York has instructed staff to take a "more flexible approach" to accepting international students with lower-than-expected marks, in the latest indication that UK higher education is under significant recruitment and budgetary difficulties.

According to an email obtained by the Financial Times, staff at the Russell Group institution were informed that "in response to the current financial challenges, the university has decided to lower its tariff for all departments and programs for overseas applicants."

While York maintains that a typical offer for undergraduate applicants requires A grades at A-level, the university will now admit some international applicants as undergraduates with the equivalent of B or C at A-level, with entry to postgraduate courses requiring a 2:2 or similar award rather than a 2:1.

According to a spokeswoman at York, the change will bring foreign student admissions in line with the approach used for UK students.

British universities are increasingly reliant on income from lucrative international student fees, with tuition costs for domestic students in England capped since 2016, and those in Scotland facing cuts in national government support.

Meanwhile, the UK government is considering reducing the number of visas awarded to international students in order to limit immigration. This year, the possibility for many international students to be accompanied by family members was withdrawn.

"The university has not lowered its entry grades for international students, and they remain as advertised," claimed a representative for the institution of York.

"The 'tariff' change refers to a more flexible approach we are taking with international offer-holders who do not meet their grades." After receiving their findings, we already take a flexible approach with home students.

"This allows us to compete in a global market." It also helps us to consider context and particular conditions. This is crucial for both UK and international students because we recognize that geographic and socioeconomic inequities limit opportunities to demonstrate talent and potential."

York stated that it had put extra resources in place, such as extra math tutoring, "for all students who are joining us with grades lower than their offer."

In the face of heightened competition from rivals such as Canada and Australia, a number of universities indicated they had difficulty recruiting more overseas students as a result of the government's policy.

Coventry University is the most recent to speak out, declaring in its annual report last month that "the UK government's response to issues around migration and the economy in recent months has had an impact on the group's recruitment of international students."

Russell Group universities estimate they lose over £2,500 on average teaching UK students for fees that have been frozen at £9,250 per year. As a result, several universities have expanded the number of international students, whose tuition is not capped and can be £10,000 or more higher than domestic tuition.

According to the latest financial filings, University College London's tuition fee income increased by 17% in 2022-23, to £929 million, "with the increase almost entirely driven by growth in the full-time international student base."

Last year, the University of Liverpool accepted 1,500 more international students than in 2021-22, increasing its international tuition fee income from £113 million to £151 million, nearly matching the £165 million earned from UK and EU student fees.

However, the income of institutions like the Open University, who rely more on UK students, has suffered. The Open University reported a £25 million operational deficit last year, but an underlying profit when pensions and other long-term expenditures were eliminated.

"The cost of living crisis and post-pandemic student behavior meant a reversal of the growth in student numbers seen in recent years," the Open University stated, adding that it expects student numbers to fall further this year.

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