The University of Manchester’s president and vice-chancellor warned that a proposed 6% surcharge on fees paid by international students would damage the UK higher-education sector. Duncan Ivison said the levy would undermine competitiveness and long-term interests, ahead of a budget in which Chancellor Rachel Reeves may formalize the policy. University leaders argue the charge risks reducing international enrollments, complicating research funding and cross-subsidies, and harming campuses that depend on global tuition revenue to underwrite programs and scholarships. The debate pits government fiscal goals against universities’ recruitment and research strategies.