The Higher Education Policy Institute was established in 2002 to shape the higher education policy debate through evidence. We promote research into and understanding of all aspects of higher education and disseminate the useful results of such research for the education and benefit of policy makers and the general public. We are UK-wide, independent and non-partisan, and we are funded by organisations and universities that wish to see a vibrant higher education debate as well as through our own events.
Latest reports
New choices: Revisiting futures for higher education in England
This report from UK think tank HEPI sets out four potential scenarios for how the sector might resolve its financial challenges. English universities face ‘unstable hybrid’ future as funding model collapses faster than predicted, warns new report. English higher education is heading into a future nobody planned, according to a new paper from the Higher...
More than academia: Expanding career support for doctoral researchers
This report from UK think tank examines careers provisions available to UK PhD students. A new report published by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) examines careers provisions available to UK PhD students. Supporting PhD students into a wide range of careers, both academic and non-academic will benefit the UK economy, in particular the research...
The benefits and costs of international higher education students to the UK economy
This report from UK think tank HEPI explores the benefits and costs of international higher education students to the UK economy. International students who began higher education courses in the UK in 2024/25 are expected to generate a net economic benefit of £40.4 billion for the UK over the course of their studies, according to...
A partnership accountability framework for a more resilient higher education sector
This report from UK think tank HEPI calls for a partnership accountability framework to protect students and standards. A new HEPI Policy Note by Vicki Stott, A partnership accountability framework for a more resilient higher education sector (HEPI Policy Note 73), warns that rapid growth in franchised and other partnership provision is colliding with financial...
Unite Students Applicant Index 2026
This report from UK think tank HEPI states that paid work has become part of the student experience. 9 in 10 students expect to work during term time – a new report shows paid jobs are now the norm. 87% of applicants expect to work during term time, with a third expecting to work over...
Interconnected innovation: Physical connectivity as the missing ingredient in UK research and innovation policy
This report from UK think tank HEPI states that transport connectivity should play a greater role in how the UK assesses research investment. A new HEPI Report published today says transport connectivity should play a greater role in how the UK assesses research investment. World‑class research capabilities exist across the whole UK, yet poor physical...
A breed apart? What do young undergraduates think of controversial and divisive issues?’
This report from UK think tank HEPI reveals young undergraduates' views on a range of topical issues. New polling of young undergraduates from the Higher Education Policy Institute reveals young undergraduates views on a range of topical issues, including: abortion limits; the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs (AI); diversity quotas; nuclear disarmament; reparations for...
Fairer for all: Towards a centralised model of admissions and access at Oxford and Cambridge
This report from UK think tank HEPI argues that while the current collegiate model is central to student life, it can create confusion and inequality at the point of entry. A new HEPI Debate Paper argues that admissions to Oxford and Cambridge should be overhauled to make the system fairer, clearer and more consistent for...
Understanding the Plan 2 loan repayment system
This report from UK think tank HEPI offers an alternative model for student loans, which would be cost-neutral for the Treasury. New research by London Economics has found that following various changes to student loan terms, implemented since early 2022, the Treasury are making a surplus of £679 million for the 2022/23 cohort of undergraduate student entrants in England. The research also found that the Government’s changes have had a greater adverse impact...
Scaling opportunities
This report from UK think tank HEPI calls for sustained and intensive outreach to tackle persistent higher education access gaps. New HEPI Policy Note calls for sustained and intensive outreach to tackle persistent higher education access gaps. It argues that sustained and intensive outreach programmes are among the most effective tools to widen access to...
Preparing for populism
This report from UK think tank HEPI encourages universities to engage across the political spectrum, including with parties sceptical of higher education. Prepare for populism: Universities need to rebuild their legitimacy with all major parties and the public as they head into a tougher political era. In Preparing for Populism (HEPI Debate Paper 44), Professor...
Being indispensable: Capabilities for a human-AI world, the ‘FUTURES’ framework
This report from UK think tank HEPI advises universities to act now on GenAI - and to put human competency at the centre. A new report from the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI), Being indispensable: Capabilities for a human-AI world, the ‘FUTURES’ framework, argues that universities should take more robust approaches to GenAI integration, as...
Assessing potential manifesto commitments on higher education funding in Wales
This report from UK think tank HEPI publishes modelling on proposed higher education funding reforms in the run up to the Senedd elections. The Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) and London Economics have published modelling on proposed reforms for higher education funding in Wales in the run up to the Senedd elections on 7 May...
From investment to outcomes: Capabilities to deliver purposeful public investment in research
This report from UK think tank HEPI considers how to maximise the potential of public spending on research. A new paper by research impact specialists at UCL, From investment to outcomes: Capabilities to deliver purposeful public investment in research (HEPI Policy Note 69), considers how to maximise the potential of public spending on research. The...
‘We believe this is the way to do it’: Exploring the City St George’s merger
This report from UK think tank HEPI offers rare real-world guidance from an unusually large and high-stakes merger. City St George’s: HEPI report sets out practical insights and recommendations from a landmark university merger. A new HEPI report, ‘We believe this is the way to do it’: Exploring the City St George’s Merger (HEPI Report...