The UK higher education system is supported by a number of government departments, sponsored agencies and other organisations. Higher education is a devolved matter, and therefore each constituent country of the UK sets its own policy and decides its own funding methodology.
There are three higher education funding councils within the UK that distribute public money for teaching and research to universities and colleges. The funding councils advise government and other stakeholders on higher education's needs and aspirations, and help make widely known the achievements, opportunities and benefits of higher education available within the UK. Their aim is to promote high quality education and research and perform a key role in ensuring accountability and the promotion of good practice:
The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) is accountable to the Scottish Government; and
The Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW) is responsible to the Welsh Assembly Government.
The Department for Employment and Learning in Northern Ireland (DEL) performs a similar role for universities and colleges in Northern Ireland.Government agencies are also active at a more local level. Local authorities (previously local education authorities or LEAs) offer information and services to students on learning opportunities available locally.
Parliamentary select committees examine the work of government departments; see for example the 11th Report of the Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills Committee: "Students and Universities", July 2009.
Powerpoint presentation: 'HEFCE and Governors Working Together' Steve Egan, Deputy Chief Executive, HEFCE
SFC (Scotland) HEFCW (Wales) DEL (N. Ireland)