The prospect of a UK university going bankrupt is a growing concern, with the higher education sector facing unprecedented financial pressures. While it’s a scenario that everyone hopes to avoid, it’s essential to understand the potential consequences and how they would be managed.

If a university were to become insolvent, the immediate impact would be felt by its students. The government has a duty to ensure that students can complete their studies, even if their institution fails. A bankruptcy would trigger the Higher Education (Insolvency) Regulations, which require universities to have student protection plans in place. These plans would identify other institutions where students could transfer to finish their degrees.

However, this wouldn’t be a straightforward process. Courses and teaching quality can vary significantly between universities, so finding a like-for-like replacement wouldn’t be guaranteed. Students might have to travel further or accept a different programme, causing disruption and potential additional costs.

Staff would also face severe consequences. Insolvency would likely lead to widespread redundancies, with employees losing their jobs. The university’s assets would be sold off to pay creditors, and its facilities could be lost to the local community.

The impact on the local economy could be substantial. Universities are often major employers and contribute millions to their regional economies. A closure would lead to job losses in the wider community, from businesses that rely on the university trade.

The government would also face reputational damage. The UK’s higher education system is world-renowned, and a university bankruptcy would be a blow to its international standing. It could deter overseas students and damage the country’s export earnings.

While student protection plans would mitigate some of the damage, they are not a substitute for a financially sustainable higher education system. The government must take action to address the sector’s funding challenges and prevent universities from reaching the point of bankruptcy.