Universities UK response to Home Secretary statement

We are pleased the government remains committed to maintaining the Graduate Route.

"No one wants abuse of the system, so we will work with government to ensure there is no scope for this. However, it is important that we now put to bed the suggestion that this visa will be scrapped, which will go a long way to reassuring prospective international students that the UK remains an attractive destination.

"The Graduate Route is an essential part of the UK’s offer to prospective students. Many of our competitors have something more attractive. International students make a net economic contribution to the UK of around £40bn a year, and this benefits the whole of the UK. There are towns and cities across the country which can ill afford to lose this economic boost, and it is good to see that this has been recognised.

“Universities will though be concerned at the potential impact of changes to skilled salary thresholds and the shortage occupation list. This could impact universities’ ability to attract global talent, in disciplines ranging from civil and mechanical engineers to lab technicians and IT specialists.

“We will work with the government to consider the impact of these potential changes.”