‘Uneven’ recruitment may ‘force more universities into mergers’ Record number of applicants brings temporary relief to under-pressure institutions, but issues of ‘systematic underfunding’ remain By Patrick Jack 14 August
Elite universities grow intakes as more students get first choice Rising demand from 18-year-old applicants drives up entry rate, with two-fifths of cohort set to enter most selective institutions By Patrick Jack 14 August
‘Time running out’ to help Gazan students blocked from UK study Students unable to take up their places at start of academic year might never have the same chance again, campaigners warn By Juliette Rowsell 14 August
Svein St?len: ‘Collaboration harder now but still a must’ Outgoing rector of University of Oslo says culture of openness changed into one dominated by national priorities during his eight years in charge of Norway’s top-ranked institution By Emily Dixon 14 August
Theology ‘hardest hit’ by course cuts, warns former archbishop Religious studies under threat as universities close courses to save money By Helen Packer 14 August
Dundee admits ‘clear failings’ in financial management Under-pressure university commits to action plan to sort out its finances, acknowledging its governance ‘fell well short’ By Juliette Rowsell 13 August
Latest University of Bradford strike targets A-level results day Staff to walk out again over plans to save ?16 million, with university open day also affected By Tom Williams 13 August
Universities ‘ready’ to fill skills gaps as key industries expand Quango estimates ‘priority’ occupations will need an additional 900,000 workers by end of decade, with universities likely to meet much of the demand By Chris Havergal 13 August
Accelerated degree fee increase ‘undermined’ by funding cuts Institutions unclear on government’s stance towards accelerated degrees as faster courses set to become more expensive for students By Helen Packer 13 August
Voters back student loan forgiveness for public sector workers Strong support for creating more financial incentives for students to study to become teachers or nurses, even among Reform UK backers By Ben Miller 13 August
‘Essential’ humanities to be championed by author in new role Professor of public humanities position for Birmingham City University’s Islam Issa comes amid pressure on humanities courses and threat of AI By Jack Grove 13 August
Students swapping places in clearing ‘new normal’ for admissions Applicants are returning to previously researched options instead of seeing clearing as opportunity to ‘trade up’, says Ucas chief executive By Juliette Rowsell 12 August
