Academic Avi Shankar has written a scathing critique of the marketisation of higher education, arguing that it has been an abject failure. In a letter to the editor, Shankar points out that undergraduate tuition fees have risen significantly, but universities still face financial struggles. This is a stark contrast to the expectations of those who championed the marketisation of higher education, which aimed to make universities financially self-sufficient.
According to Shankar, the marketisation of higher education has led to a situation where universities are financially vulnerable. This is because the fees paid by students are not enough to cover the costs of running a university, let alone invest in its future. As a result, universities are forced to rely on government funding, which is subject to fluctuations in budget allocations.
The consequences of this situation are far-reaching, with implications for students and taxpayers alike. Students are facing significant debt burdens, while taxpayers are being asked to foot the bill for university funding. This raises questions about the sustainability of the current system and whether it is fair to expect students to bear the brunt of the financial burden.
The issue is not just about universities' financial struggles, but also about the role of the government in regulating the market. The government's decision to introduce tuition fees was meant to make universities more financially stable, but it has had the opposite effect. The problem is that the fees paid by students are not enough to cover the costs of running a university, and the government's funding is not enough to make up the shortfall.
The implications of this situation are significant, and it is time for a rethink of the current system. Universities need to be financially sustainable, but this cannot be achieved through the marketisation of higher education. The government needs to take a more active role in regulating the market and ensuring that universities are financially stable. This may involve increasing funding for universities or introducing a different funding model that takes into account the needs of both students and taxpayers.