In response to a joint report by the Higher Education Policy
Institute (HEPI) and Kaplan International Pathways (Kaplan) which
explains the contribution from overseas students who graduate
from university and remain in the UK to
work, Alistair Jarvis, Chief Executive of
Universities UK, said:
“International students contribute a huge amount to the UK, both
economically, as this new research from HEPI and Kaplan shows,
and culturally, by enriching the educational environment in our
universities for all students.
“They play a vital role in combating skills shortages in key
sectors – including science, engineering and nursing careers.
This new research estimates that restrictions on post-study work
introduced in 2012 are costing the UK £150 million a year.
“International students want to come and study in the UK, seeing
the value of the high quality education our universities offer,
but we are slipping behind our global competitors – Australia,
New Zealand and Canada. The UK’s immigration system should
reflect the extent to which we value international students’
contribution. While the government’s new International Education
Strategy marks a step in the right direction, more should be done
to send a welcoming message to international students. The
government should extend the opportunities for graduates to work
in the UK to at least two years.”
