The Minister of State for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education, formerly the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Skills, Further and Higher Education, previously the Minister of State for Universities, is a mid-level position in the Department for Education in the British government. It has been held by Robert Halfon since October 2022. The minister has oversight over skills and higher and further education, including universities and the Student Loans Company. Under New Labour, the role was known as Minister of State for Higher Education and Minister of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills. Under the Cameron–Clegg coalition and May ministries, the role became known as Minister of State for Universities, Science and Cities and Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation. The role of Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Science, Research and Innovation was created out of this office. Following the 2021 British cabinet reshuffle under the second Johnson ministry, the role was known as Minister of State for Higher and Further Education and the officeholder, Michelle Donelan, was given the right to attend Cabinet. Under Donelan's successor, Andrea Jenkyns, the position was demoted to Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State. At certain times, the Minister worked in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. History The minister once more attended cabinet after the 2021 British cabinet reshuffle. Responsibilities The minister has the following responsibilities: Strategy for post-16 education Higher technical education (levels 4 and 5) Further education funding and accountability Lifelong learning entitlement Institutes of Technology and National Colleges Universities and higher education reform Higher education quality Student finance (including the Student Loans Company) Coronavirus (COVID-19) response for universities, higher education institutions and further education services (jointly with Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Skills)) The position had increased prominence in 2020 and 2021 when the COVID-19 pandemic affected further education and university education. List of Ministers of State for Higher and Further Education References See also Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills Department for Education Higher education in the United Kingdom Education ministers of the United Kingdom Universities in the United Kingdom Higher education ministers British government officials Department for Business, Innovation and Skills 2001 establishments in the United Kingdom