Rishi Sunak is reportedly preparing to unveil proposals to cap the number of students pursuing “low-value” university degrees, according to reports in The Guardian. The measures would restrict applications for courses that have a lower proportion of graduates entering professional careers, pursuing advanced studies, or starting their own businesses. If implemented, this policy would mark the first time since 2015 that student applications in England would be subject to a cap.

The announcement of these plans is expected to be made as early as Monday, as reported by The Guardian.

The proposed limitations on university courses have drawn criticism from opposition parties, who argue that they would create additional barriers for young people seeking to achieve their aspirations.

A spokesperson for the Labour Party stated, “After 13 years of failure in education, all the Conservatives and this out-of-touch Prime Minister have to offer are yet more barriers to young people’s aspirations – rather than working to raise standards and outcomes. The difference between our parties couldn’t be clearer: Labour wants to smash the class ceiling while the Conservatives simply want to reinforce it.”

Munira Wilson, the Liberal Democrats’ education spokesperson, criticized the policy, stating, “Rishi Sunak is so out of ideas that he’s dug up a new version of a policy the Conservatives have announced and then unannounced twice over. Universities don’t want this. It’s a cap on aspiration, making it harder for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to go on to further study.”

The proposed cap on “low-value” degrees has sparked debate and raised concerns about access to higher education, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Critics argue that such a policy could hinder social mobility and limit opportunities for those who aspire to pursue degrees in fields that may not align with traditional notions of “high-value” careers.