A government-commissioned report has sounded the alarm, cautioning against additional restrictions on international student numbers in the UK, warning that such measures could lead to the collapse of some universities.
The report comes in the wake of a sharp decline in foreign registrations for the upcoming academic year.
The issue of immigration, including the influx of international students, has been a contentious topic in British politics for years, notably influencing the Brexit referendum in 2016.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's government has been pursuing policies aimed at reducing the number of students entering the UK, including limitations on education visas, which have had a significant impact. The Migration Advisory Committee revealed that deposits from international postgraduate students for September intake had plummeted by 63 per cent compared to the previous year due to visa restrictions.
The report issued a stark warning that further constraints on the graduate route, allowing foreign students to work in the UK for up to two years after graduation, could result in job losses, course closures, and even institutional failures.
Britain's prestigious universities, such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London, are globally renowned and contribute to innovation, creativity, and soft power, with many world leaders having studied at British institutions.
While concerns have been raised about potential abuse of the graduate visa route, with accusations of some students exploiting the system for immigration purposes, the Migration Advisory Committee found no evidence of widespread abuse. However, it noted that students from India, Nigeria, China, and Pakistan make up the majority of graduate visa applicants.
Esther McVey, a cabinet minister, criticized certain universities for prioritizing immigration over education, while the government promised to review the report's findings. Yet, concerns persist, particularly regarding the employment outcomes of international graduates, with over 40% earning below £15,000 annually post-graduation.
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) emphasized the vital role of universities as a major export success for the UK, urging an end to damaging speculation and a clear commitment to supporting the future of international student recruitment.