@simon_brooke I don't think cost is the main issue here. In person exams were the norm in the UK up until 2020. The real issue is whether course work is going to remain viable and the fact that course work is important to particular kinds of students. A viva on every piece of course work really isn't feasible or desirable (for either students or staff)
@UlrikeHahn Uhhmmm... when I got my undergrad degree back in 1986, I just submitted a 70,000 word dissertation (and sat three in person exams for my minor courses, but I don't think they contributed hugely -- I'm not good at exams, which is why I opted for dissertation). These days, that dissertation could be easily faked.
Unless you require hand-written answers in exams, which as a #dyslexic person I couldn't do, I don't see how in-person non-viva exams help much.