Last updated: 15 September 2025
Financial challenges for universities
These challenges are largely outside of our control and are affecting all universities. They are largely due to:
- increasing costs because of inflation
- rising pension and energy costs
- an undergraduate student fee that has remained the same for a decade
- Government decisions meaning fewer international students are applying to study in the UK
Cost-saving measures
We’ve taken the following steps to save money:
- We saved more than £40m in 2024/25. This was delivered through a reduction of posts (without any redundancies), and other cost saving measures. This helped us make significant progress on becoming more financially sustainable.
- In 2025/26, we have to remove further costs. We’re doing this through a voluntary severance scheme, non-pay cost savings and removing some vacant posts.
- Some academic and non-academic staff have already chosen to leave their roles at the University through Voluntary Severance Schemes. This helps us to reduce our costs so we can operate effectively, but with a smaller workforce.
Your studies will not be disrupted and you will continue to benefit from our award-winning teaching and support. Any changes will not affect your ability to continue with your course or access support.
Accessing support
We understand that some of these changes may be worrying. Please reach out for support and guidance:
Future investment
We are investing for the future. Our new buildings are now open offering state-of-the art reaching, learning and study spaces.
We are also due to open a London campus from 2026. Our aim is to expand our reach in the capital, creating opportunities for students from Sheffield, who will benefit from placements and work experience.
Read our statement
