CLA and CNAC confirm change to Distance Learner metric for Higher Education Licence

CLA brings forward HE Licence change to deliver savings for institutions with distance learners.

The Copyright Licensing Agency (CLA) has confirmed that, from August 2026, distance learners in Higher Education will be charged on a full-time equivalent (FTE) basis rather than headcount. The change introduces a more proportionate approach to licence fees and should deliver earlier cost reductions for institutions with distance learners.

CLA has been pleased to work with the Universities UK / GuildHE Copyright Negotiating and Advisory Committee (CNAC) to help inform and facilitate this change. It had originally been agreed to address the issue, raised by CNAC, within negotiations for the next HE licence term, due to begin on 1 August 2027. However, recognising the current economic challenges facing UK Higher Education, CLA sought and received approval from its Member organisations to bring the change forward by a year.

As part of the August 2026 renewals process, UUK and GuildHE member institutions will see their HESA distance learner data automatically reflected as FTEs within CLA’s Customer Portal, supporting a smooth transition and reducing the administrative burden for institutions. CLA and CNAC are discussing the necessary operational details and will confirm these to member institutions ahead of the licence renewal.

While this change will result in a decrease in overall licence income, and therefore distributions to publishers, authors and visual artists, CLA’s Board has approved the decision as one that is fair, proportionate, and consistent with the long-term sustainability of collective licensing.

Catherine Stephen, Head of Renewals and Growth: Education and Public Sector at CLA, said:

“This is about responding pragmatically to the realities facing Higher Education, while staying true to the principles that underpin collective licensing. We’re pleased our Members supported bringing this change forward, helping institutions manage pressure on budgets while continuing to ensure rightsholders and creators are fairly remunerated for the content that underpins teaching and learning.”

Kate Vasili, Copyright and Accessibility Officer, Middlesex University, and Chair of CNAC, said:

“Having raised this issue, CNAC is pleased to have worked with CLA to adjust the Distance Learner charging model calculated from HESA sourced data from a headcount to FTE basis. This change will reduce fees for institutions with distance learning provision via a fairer and more proportionate metric from August 2026. CNAC would like to thank CLA and its Board for recognising the importance of this issue and for implementing the adjustment early.”