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CCR MT Week 3 2026 Motions

Equitable Funding for University Language Courses

This motion is to mandate the Oxford SU sabbatical officers to lobby departmental divisions in the University of Oxford to provide at least 50% funding towards university supplementary language courses as a minimum, while advocating for additional college funding. The motion has the aim of ensuring fair equitable funding for language education across the university, reducing college divides in access to education and outcomes. Currently, each department makes its own decisions about which scenarios to offer students language funding, if it all. Funding from colleges is similarly unpredictable.

Conference Notes:

  • Language learning is a vital supplement to main degrees, and instrumental for many students to secure employment outside of the UK. 
  • In an increasingly global world, language skills are valuable, and reduce reliance on sometimes inaccurate online translation services. The standard intensity courses are currently £136 per term, which is above the budget for many students. 
  • In a survey of Magdalen JCR students (32 respondents), 62.5% selected the option 'course fees too expensive' in regards to taking an Oxford University Language Centre course, while only 15.6% of Magdalen respondents have actually attended a course for at least a term. 
  • When the survey was expanded to students from other JCRs, 57.4% of 61 total respondents (of which at least 32 were the original Magdalen students) selected that 'course fees too expensive', while only 18% attended a course for at least a term - survey data ended 12/10/2026. 
  • 26 students left anonymous comments, where many remarked that they were unsure if their college would fund, or that various faculties wouldn't fund their courses. 
  • In general, funding is insufficient and confusing - with many students having to self-finance their courses or attempt to navigate confusing college systems. 
  • Self-funding widens the outcome gap between students of different socioeconomic backgrounds, where monolingualism could restrict later job opportunities abroad.


Conference Believes:  

  • This SU should understand that university is an essential place for learning skills outside of our main degree.
  • Students shouldn't be restricted by their own finances when considering language courses.
  • Supplementary language courses can be required for certain internships/placements.
  • Funding should be equitable across departments and colleges, and should always represent at least 50% of the course fees.


Conference Resolves:  

  • To mandate the SU to lobby all departments to provide at least 50% of language course funding, regardless of reason to undertake the language course
  • To encourage colleges to supplement the remaining 50% deficit;
  • And support common rooms in doing so.
  • Consider addressing the Language Centre Committee to the cost of the supplementary language courses.
  • Report to the Conference of Common Rooms by no later than Week 3, Hilary Term 2027 on progress and findings.


Equality Impact Assessment: 

  • Stated as net positive impact for all listed demographics
  • Increased and equitable funding will benefit all students at this university with an interest in learning a language, particularly those at colleges with less funding available.