The UK's premier competition watchdog has launched a formal investigation into the country's most prestigious universities over concerns they may have formed an illegal "cartel" regarding international students.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is scrutinising the Russell Group, an association of 24 leading UK universities, including the Universities of Edinburgh, Manchester, and Bristol. The probe centres on allegations that the group may have facilitated the sharing of sensitive information among its members, potentially limiting competition on key issues like international student admissions.
Focus on Chinese Student Market
Investigators are paying particularly close attention to the universities' approach to the lucrative Chinese student market. A significant portion of the evidence gathered so far relates to information shared about students from China, a vital source of income for many UK institutions.
While the CMA has not yet reached a conclusion on whether competition law was broken, it has stated it has "reasonable grounds to suspect" one or more prohibitions have been infringed. The investigation will determine if universities colluded on policies that could have adversely affected prospective students.
Universities Respond to Allegations
In response to the probe, a spokesperson for the Russell Group emphasised the group's commitment to compliance. "The Russell Group takes its responsibilities under competition law very seriously," they said, adding that the group is "cooperating fully with the CMA" and has robust procedures in place.
The investigation, which is in its early stages, could have significant ramifications for the UK's higher education sector, which relies heavily on fees from international students. The CMA has the power to impose substantial fines if it finds evidence of anti-competitive behaviour.
