Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Vice-chancellors at top universities spent £1m on foreign trips

Vice-chancellors at top universities spent £1m on foreign trips

Vice-chancellors at the 24 Russell Group universities have claimed significant amounts for trips abroad, luxury hotels, and even home renovations. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

LEADERS at some of the UK's most prestigious universities have spent close to £1 million on international travel over the past three years, despite ongoing warnings about financial challenges within the higher education sector.

An analysis by The Times revealed that vice-chancellors at the 24 Russell Group universities, representing the country’s most renowned universities, have claimed significant amounts for trips abroad, luxury hotels, and even home renovations.


This comes as many universities continue to face financial strain, with tuition fees capped at £9,250 since 2017. Although fees are expected to rise in the autumn, forecasts indicate that many universities could experience budget deficits by 2025-26.

The spending on travel and accommodation has raised eyebrows, especially as university leaders warn of worsening financial difficulties. In the 2023-24 academic year, vice-chancellors at these institutions received an average pay and benefits package of £405,000, in addition to £4,300 in expenses, which included international travel averaging £20,600 per leader.

Some, such as the vice-chancellors of the London School of Economics (LSE), Bristol, Cardiff, and Nottingham, claimed more than the average UK salary of £35,000 in expenses alone.

One notable example is Shitij Kapur, vice-chancellor of King’s College London, who spent more than £35,000 on furniture and renovations for his university-provided apartment in June 2021.

He later embarked on a two-day trip to Phoenix, Arizona, where he stayed in a £500-a-night hotel. The trip, costing around £8,000, was linked to a collaboration with universities in Australia and the US aimed at addressing global challenges.

Nottingham's vice-chancellor, Shearer West, also saw significant spending, with over £86,000 spent on flights in just two academic years. Her travel included destinations such as Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Sydney, and New York.

At the same time, Chris Day, vice-chancellor of Newcastle University, highlighted the pressure universities face, claiming that the sector is having to "do more for less" with fewer resources. His international travel expenses exceeded £26,000 over the past two years, further fuelling concerns about university leaders' spending habits amidst claims of financial difficulties.

The Russell Group, however, defended the spending, stating that vice-chancellors' international travel is crucial for fostering global partnerships and securing funding.

A spokesperson explained that these trips help build networks that support UK trade, research, and academic growth, with leaders meeting business partners, government officials, and research collaborators.

However, the extravagant expenses come at a time when universities are under pressure to demonstrate financial responsibility. Many institutions are being urged to tighten their belts and curb waste. University leaders are also calling for an increase in tuition fees, with some suggesting a rise to £12,500 to ensure universities can break even.

Oxford’s vice-chancellor, Irene Tracey, spent nearly £16,000 on international trips in the past academic year, including £4,000 on airport transfers. Despite criticisms, the university stressed that Tracey’s travels are essential for maintaining Oxford’s position as a global leader in research and education.

Former Cardiff vice-chancellor Colin Riordan, for example, spent over £26,000 on flights to destinations such as India and South Africa in just five months, a decision Cardiff University defended by explaining that international travel plays a crucial role in securing global partnerships and donations.

As the debate over university funding and leadership spending continues, many are questioning whether these extravagant expenses are justifiable in the face of financial uncertainty within the higher education sector.

The Russell Group, however, maintains that universities must be managed efficiently and transparently, with all expenses closely monitored.

More For You

Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

Photo for representation. (iStock)

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE is now investigating more than 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects, following years of public criticism and institutional failings in tackling child sexual exploitation.

A new report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has revealed the force has made “significant improvements” in dealing with group-based sexual abuse and related crimes.

Keep ReadingShow less
Diwali

This year’s Diwali event will still see Belgrave Road continue to host what is left of the festival. (Representational image)

Major changes announced for Leicester’s Diwali celebrations amid safety fears

LDRS

THIS year’s annual Diwali celebrations will be stripped back amid public safety fears. Leicester City Council has said there will be no fireworks or stage entertainment as part of major changes announced for the event.

Cossington Street Recreation Ground will also not be used for the festivities, the council has revealed. The green space previously was the location for the main stage and the Diwali Village with its food stalls, funfair rides, fashion and arts. The annual fire garden display was also based there, offering “a peaceful oasis amid the festive excitement”.

Keep ReadingShow less
Corbyn- Zarah Sultana

Zarah Sultana with Jeremy Corbyn during a protest outside Downing Street demanding the UK government to stop all arms sales to Israel. (Photo: X/@zarahsultana)

X/@zarahsultana

Zarah Sultana leaves Labour, plans new party with Corbyn and independents

FORMER Labour MP Zarah Sultana has announced her resignation from the party and plans to launch a new political party alongside ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and other independent MPs and activists.

Sultana, who represents Coventry South, lost the Labour whip last year for supporting the removal of the two-child benefit cap.

Keep ReadingShow less
Hasmukh Shah

The certificate was presented to Shah at the Welsh parliament by Anita Bailey, Home Office Director Windrush Unit.

Hasmukh Shah receives UK minister’s certificate of appreciation

A prominent Asian doctor has been recognised for his services to the community. Prof Hasmukh Shah has received a certificate of appreciation for his contribution and services to the United Kingdom.

The certificate was issued by Seema Malhotra MP, UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship, as part of the Windrush Cymru Elders and Race Council Cymru’s Windrush work in Wales.

Keep ReadingShow less
Dalai-Lama-Getty

Dalai Lama looks on as offerings presented by Buddhist followers are laid on a table during a Long Life Prayer offering ceremony at the Main Tibetan Temple in McLeod Ganj, near Dharamsala, India, on June 30, 2025.(Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

India says Dalai Lama alone can decide successor

A SENIOR Indian minister has said that only the Dalai Lama and the organisation he has established have the authority to decide his successor as the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. The comment runs contrary to China’s long-standing position on the matter.

The Dalai Lama, who fled to India in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule, said on Wednesday that after his death he would be reincarnated as the next spiritual leader, and that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust would be able to identify his successor. He had earlier said that the next Dalai Lama would be born outside China.

Keep ReadingShow less