Universities UK said today that it was pleased that government had responded to many of its concerns about the proposed changes to the student visa system.

Responding to today's statement on student visas by home secretary Theresa May, Nicola Dandridge, Chief Executive of Universities UK, said: “The proposals take into account many of the concerns expressed by Universities UK and will allow British universities to remain at the forefront of international student recruitment.

“All universities remain committed to working with the Home Office to eradicate any abuse of the student visa system. Visa abuse within the university sector is comparatively low, but we support measures designed to weed out any remaining abuse and ensure that all education providers are fulfilling their duties as sponsors.

“Although the post-study work mechanism is to be closed, the government has decided to retain the right of international students to work for a period of time in the UK after graduation in graduate level jobs. This is critically important in attracting international students to the UK, and without this we would be at a severe competitive disadvantage in comparison with other countries such as Canada, the US and Australia. We hear repeatedly from international students how important it is to be able to deploy their skills by working for a limited period of time before going home. This process also boosts employers in the UK looking for trained graduates within strategically valuable disciplines. While this route is to be tightened, the ongoing availability of post-study work opportunities for international graduates with a skilled job offer is good news for the UK.

“We are pleased that the government has taken into account the importance of the pre-degree pathways that many international students access prior to undertaking their studies at UK universities.

 “In a market that’s growing at about 7 per cent per year, international students offer the UK considerable growth potential and bring huge benefits to regional and national economies. International students contribute over £5bn to the UK economy through tuition fees and off-campus expenditure, as well as bringing extensive cultural and political benefits to the UK, and creating local jobs. These proposals will allow that economic and cultural contribution to continue.

“The vast majority of international students return home once their studies are completed, and those that do not, need to reapply for a separate visa. There is a case in the future for looking at how international students are categorised in terms of net migration figures.

“It's crucial that the UK appears ‘open for business’ to those individuals who are genuinely committed to coming to the UK to study at one of our world-class institutions. This is a success story for the UK, but there is no shortage of global competition. At a time of financial pressures, this is vitally important for universities and the UK economy more widely.”

Notes

1. For more information  on the home secretary's statement, please visit: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/media-centre/news/major-student-changes
2. To arrange interviews with Universities UK spokespeople, please contact the press office on 020 7419 5407 or email pressoffice@universitiesuk.ac.uk