Universities UK responds to Immigration White Paper

International students bring huge benefits to high streets, workplaces and campuses across the country. They contribute billions to the UK economy each year, while the fees they pay help ensure there are more places for British students - especially in subjects like engineering, which cost universities far more to teach than they receive from the UK government, but are vital to the UK's long-term growth and prosperity.

Our universities recognise public concerns about immigration. That is why we are committed to maintaining robust recruitment practices. We work closely with government to ensure that international student recruitment is sustainable, and growth is well-managed.  Many of the changes announced today build on proposals published by UUK in September and will help preserve an internationally competitive offer to international students. Confirmation that the Graduate route will remain in place with some minor changes is particularly welcome.

However, the financial challenges facing universities are well known. Following years of frozen fees, inadequate research funding and a rapid downturn in international students, the current operating environment is very challenging. We would urge government to think carefully about the impact that a levy on international student fees will have on universities and the attractiveness of the UK as a study destination.

Universities know they need to be more efficient and are driving the reform agenda. We need government to get serious about working with the sector to address the financial sustainability of universities. That means increasing per student funding; stabilising international demand; and working with us to sort cost-recovery rates on research so that universities can train the high-skilled workers Britain needs, and be engines for growth and a better standard of living in the decades ahead.