Decline in International Student Enrollment

UK universities have observed a decline in international student enrollment amidst uncertainties surrounding visas.

UK universities have witnessed a significant decline in international student applications, raising concerns about the potential impact of further restrictions on student visas. There are fears among university and industry leaders that the graduate visa entitlement, allowing international graduates to work in the UK for up to three years, may be terminated or limited. This uncertainty stems from an impending report by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), scheduled to be submitted to the government on Tuesday. Creative UK, representing the creative industries, warns that removing the post-graduation work option for international students would serve as a strong deterrent to studying in the UK, jeopardizing a sector valued at £108 billion annually.

Earlier this year, restrictions on international students may have already led to a decline in overseas applications, with uncertainties surrounding the future of the graduate visa exacerbating this trend, according to a survey conducted by the British Universities’ International Liaison Association. Among 75 institutions polled, nine out of 10 reported a decrease in international applications for the upcoming academic year, with a notable 27% drop in total applications for taught postgraduate courses compared to the previous year.

In a joint letter, Creative UK and Universities UK, representing vice-chancellors, have urged the government to reject proposals to abolish or restrict the graduate visa route. They argue that international graduates are essential to the creative industries, which now surpass the combined significance of the UK’s aerospace, life sciences, and automotive sectors.

Sally Mapstone, vice-chancellor of St Andrews University and president of Universities UK, emphasized the importance of international students to UK culture, stressing their contributions to universities, the economy, skills, and jobs. She warned against further unnecessary restrictions, highlighting potential adverse impacts on institutions and the nation as a whole.

The British Academy has cautioned that scrapping the graduate visa would diminish the vibrancy of the UK’s academic and research landscape. This sentiment is echoed by concerns from various sectors about the financial sustainability of universities, potential course closures, and staff redundancies due to declining international student numbers.

Fears regarding the future of the visa intensified after the Home Secretary, James Cleverly, tasked the Migration Advisory Committee with investigating potential abuse of the graduate route. Meanwhile, a report by former immigration minister Robert Jenrick and the Centre for Policy Studies called for abolishing the graduate visa, citing concerns about exploitation in the gig economy and low wages.

In response, a government spokesperson emphasized the importance of striking a balance between addressing net migration and attracting top-tier students to UK universities, recognizing their significant contributions to the country.