The UK's university degree is no longer a 'passport to social mobility', says King's College London's vice-chancellor, Prof. Shitij Kapur. In an era where nearly half the population enters higher education, the competition for graduate jobs is fierce, with AI and a surplus of graduates adding to the challenge. Kapur argues that a university degree is now more like a 'visa' than a guaranteed route to professional success, reflecting the shrinking graduate pay premium and increased competition. The personal equation of the university as a vehicle for social mobility has shifted, with degrees now offering a chance to visit the realm of social mobility, not a guaranteed passage. This shift is supported by sociologist Martin Trow's predictions, who foresaw a decline in the social regard for university graduates, a decrease in the graduate premium, and the transformation of a university education from a privilege to a necessity. Kapur highlights the impact of the UK's £9,000 tuition fees and student loans on the economy, making it a challenging time for graduates. The situation has worsened, with the government 'fossilising' domestic tuition fees, but Kapur remains optimistic about UK universities' global reputation and their role in the next technological revolution.
