Students in library

Higher Education

From Russell Group and traditional Red-Brick institutions to Oxford and Cambridge colleges, we’re here to support higher education providers.

With shifting political landscapes, evolving regulations, and changing socioeconomic conditions beginning to challenge the financial model that has sustained it for over a decade, the UK Higher Education sector is at a pivotal juncture.


From regulatory compliance and financial sustainability to governance and strategic transformation, our higher education team understands the unique challenges you face.

Crowe has decades of experience working with social purpose and non profit organisations including those in the education sector. We support universities and higher education institutions with a comprehensive suite of audit, tax, advisory, and risk management services.

Audit, assurance and compliance
Audit, assurance and compliance
Governance and risk management reviews
Governance and risk management reviews
Internal audit
Internal audit
VAT and tax
VAT and tax
Bookeeping and management accounts
Bookeeping and management accounts
Sustainabilty, ESG and reporting
Sustainabilty, ESG and reporting

Specialist advice and support for Oxford and Cambridge colleges

As higher education providers that follow the Charities SORP, Oxford and Cambridge colleges require specialist advice and support from their auditors. Our team are the partners you need.

Grant assurance service for Higher Education institutions

Our grants audit work spans a wide range of funding streams such as DfE, Innovate UK, Turing Scheme, TPS certifications, US Single Audits and audits of US Federal Aid, meaning we have the ability and experience to navigate and meet the complex compliance requirements of both UK and international funding programmes.

Teachers’ Pension End of Year Certificate (EOYC)
We have significant experience supporting Higher Education clients with their Teachers’ Pension Audit. We understand the statutory requirements set by Teachers’ Pensions and can guide you through the End of Year Certificate (EOYC) process to ensure you have correctly calculated and paid pension contributions. We can perform agreed-upon procedures engagements under ISRS 4400 (Revised), reconciling payroll data to EOYC submissions, verifying contribution calculations, and ensuring compliance with TP05 auditor guidance.
Title IV Loan Schemes

Where required, we can provide Title IV audits for U.S. Federal Student Aid, ensuring full compliance with the requirements of the U.S. Department of Education. Our team will perform detailed testing of student eligibility, disbursement processes, return of Title IV funds, and reporting obligations. Our proven methodology and understanding of the US Department of Education’s Foreign School Audit Guide ensure only the highest quality of work.

You can also rely on us to keep you abreast of regulatory changes and developments for example, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4, 2025, introduces the most significant changes to federal student loans in decades. These changes will fundamentally alter how institutions calculate student loan eligibility. 

Department for Education Grant Audits
We have extensive experience delivering Annex G audits for organisations receiving Department for Education (DfE) grant funding. An Annex G audit is an independent certificate of expenditure required by the DfE to confirm that grant funding has been spent in accordance with the terms of the funding agreement. You can rest assured that we’ll perform these audits in line with DfE requirements, providing assurance that eligible costs are correctly recorded and reported.

Higher Education sector developments

With ever-changing governance and regulation, we’re here to help you stay abreast of the latest changes you need to be aware of.

Expertise

  • We are leading providers of audit services to the Social Purpose and Non Profit and Higher Education sector with centres of excellence in our offices in London, Cheltenham and Manchester.
  • Our team are members of the BUFDG Financial Reporting Group, the Independent Higher Education Group and stay abreast of regulatory changes through our subscription to the Office for Students news.

Partnership

  • We believe in building collaborative relationships with our clients and always ensure our work is informed by your specific needs and requirements. We will tailor our advice and approach to ensure you receive a thorough audit as well as advice on strategy and governance.
  • We offer a year-round service, providing support and guidance beyond the audit cycle. We also take a flexible approach, allowing us to either conduct audits on-site or remotely, depending on client needs and preferences.

Excellence

  • Our Higher Education Sector Developments ensures you get timely feedback on regulatory changes. We will help you understand the repercussions and provide the necessary advice and support specific to your institution.
  • We take a technology-led approach to our work, enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and insight throughout the audit process.

Contact us


Jayne Rowe
Jayne Rowe
Partner, Social Purpose and Non ProfitsLondon