A recent snapshot of the financial decisions of 60 of the 141 institutions in UUK found almost half of those responding had closed courses, or reduced options for students in the last three years.
Industrial disputes are under way in several cities as a result.
Universities are now anxiously awaiting the government’s draft plan for managing immigration, which is expected to further limit visas for students applying from Nigeria, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Attracting international students who pay higher fees and spend money in the UK is counted as an export. The rule change in January 2024 prevented postgraduate students from bringing relatives, and has led to a drop in numbers applying.
The higher fees paid by international students have been used to prop up university finances after many years in which tuition fees for students in England have barely increased.
While fees are due to go up this autumn to £9,535 for students in England, ministers have yet to say what will happen in following years.
The government is carrying out a review of university education, including funding, which is due to report this summer.