Commenting on speculation that the UK Government may look to cut
international student numbers,Vivienne Stern MBE, Chief
Executive of Universities UK, said:
“Cutting international student numbers would run directly counter
to the government’s strategy to rebuild the economy – given the
huge financial contribution they make to every part of the
country.
“International students make a net positive contribution of at
least £26 billion per year to the UK economy and are the source
of almost 70% of our education export earnings. They sustain jobs
in towns and cities up and down the country. They also bring
enormous benefits to university campuses. The financial
contribution they make has been essential, given the long term
decline in funding for teaching UK undergraduate students, and
balancing the books on research.
“Limiting international students would be an act of economic
self-harm that would damage many parts of the country the
government aims to make more prosperous.
“We should be proud that UK universities are held in such high
esteem around the world that we are one of the most popular
places to study. Instead of doing down a great strength of the
UK, government should support it. We need a long term, stable
policy approach in international visas, which is tough on abuse
but supports long term, managed growth.”
Notes to editors
- According to research from the Higher Education Policy
Institute, in conjunction with Universities UK,
international students make a net positive contribution of more
than £25.9 billion to the UK’s economy, with every part of the
UK financially better off – on average by £390 per person –
because of international students.
- International students face strict visa checks and must be
able to prove their financial status to be able to come to this
country. For example, an international student bringing a spouse
and two children under the age of 18 would need to evidence in
excess of £30,500 just in order to apply to come to the UK. This
figure is at the lower end of the spectrum, with those looking to
study for longer, or live in London, or bringing significantly
more dependants able to evidence tens of thousands more before
making an application to come to the UK.
