Duncan Ivison, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Manchester, warned that a proposed 6% levy on international tuition would harm the UK higher-education sector and undermine long-term competitiveness. Ivison said the surcharge risks reducing international student enrollment, weakening research income and damaging relationships that fund collaborations and talent pipelines. University leaders and sector groups argue the levy would make the UK less attractive to global students at a time competitors are offering clearer post-study pathways and more stable funding. The announcement raises questions about how the Treasury will balance near-term revenue goals against universities’ international strategy and campus budgets.