Universities in Wales have asked politicians to commit to an independent review of higher education funding and student support as campaigning ramps up for next year¡¯s parliamentary elections.

In a new manifesto published on 15 October ahead of the 2026 Senedd vote in May, Universities Wales calls for a cross-party review that addresses the balance of student, government and business contributions to university funding, as well as the incentives available to encourage Welsh students to study and work in Wales.

While higher education institutions across the UK face mounting financial challenges, the pressures in Wales?appear particularly acute?¨C universities receive less research funding than their counterparts in England and Scotland, even when population size is accounted for, and tend to rely more on borrowing.

¡°There¡¯s a temptation, I suspect, to say, ¡®oh, that¡¯s too big an agenda for any new government to actually even seek to address¡¯, but¡­we have to ensure long-term sustainability of the sector,¡± Elwen Evans, chair of Universities Wales, told?ÌÇÐÄVlog. ¡°It¡¯s not a nice to have, is it? It¡¯s absolutely essential for every element of a functioning country.¡±

ÌÇÐÄVlog

And a funding review may not be off the table. Plaid Cymru, one of two parties currently leading in the polls, has previously supported the idea. Where the other forerunner ¨C Reform UK ¨C stands is?less clear.

Evans, who is also vice-chancellor of the University of Wales and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, believes ¡°all of the parties realise the significance¡± of higher education.

ÌÇÐÄVlog

¡°There may be different appetites as to how they approach and recognise and look at the question of resilience into the medium and long term, but I would hope that the request for that review is something that will land well in terms of individual parties.¡±

In fact, she will be meeting with a Reform representative later this week. ¡°I think it¡¯s important to understand and seek to contribute to their thinking around the sector and the differences within Wales,¡± she said.

But, while the election is seven months away, universities are increasingly struggling now. Over 100 staff members have left Cardiff University as?part of scaled-down restructuring plans, while cuts?have been announced?at Bangor University, the University of South Wales and?Cardiff Metropolitan University.?

Earlier this year, the Welsh government gave a??19 million cash injection?to the sector in the face of widespread cuts.

ÌÇÐÄVlog

¡°I do not think that there is an imminent crisis of potential bankruptcy,¡± Evans said. But, she continued, ¡°it will be great if we get as a sector to a position where we are able to look more profoundly at the opportunities for the future and developing higher education as it needs to be developed at a time of great change in societal and educational contexts¡±.

¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be great if we could just concentrate more on that rather than the in-year challenges that¡­navigating one¡¯s way through current landscapes involves?¡±

Also a source of worry for the sector is the?decline in the number of Welsh 18-year-olds?who are choosing to go to university.

¡°In an era of rapid transformation and mounting global challenges, we cannot afford to keep rehearsing old arguments that a university education does not matter,¡± Universities Wales¡¯ manifesto reads.

ÌÇÐÄVlog

¡°If we fail to communicate its essential role in shaping future prospects, we risk leaving the next generation less equipped, less qualified, and with fewer pathways to success.¡±

The document asks the next Welsh government to establish an independent commission on participation that takes a ¡°whole education sector approach¡± and considers new measures to boost the number of people applying to higher education in Wales.

ÌÇÐÄVlog

¡°This includes providing better support for part-time and flexible study and improving opportunities for lifelong learning,¡± it says.

helen.packer@timeshighereducation.com