Financial pressures prompt merger of Kent and Greenwich universities in 2026

The universities of Kent and Greenwich are to merge in an attempt to improve their financial viability against a backdrop of economic turmoil across higher education in the UK.

- Rachel Hall

Under the proposed name of London and South East University Group, the single institution will have one vice-chancellor from the academic year starting in autumn 2026. The two universities combined will have 28,000 undergraduates at first-degree level, according to the Higher Education Statistics Agency.

The universities said the combined institution would provide a stronger financial foundation to overcome the economic challenges facing universities now and in the future.

The Office for Students (OfS), England's higher education regulator, welcomed the move and suggested that more universities might explore similar options as their income has fallen for the third year in a row.

This is due to falls in numbers of international students after immigration and visa changes as well as the declining real-terms value of the tuition fee paid by UK students, with the result that 40% of English universities are now believed to be in financial deficit.