University leaders have warned that immigration restrictions on international students threaten to damage the UK economy, as new figures show a sharp fall in the number of overseas students enrolling. Data from more than 60 UK universities reveals that study visas issued have dropped by 33% compared with the same period last year.
Universities UK (UUK), which represents mainstream universities and colleges, said the government's curbs, steep visa fee increases, and threats to cut graduate work entitlements are undermining the UK's appeal as a study destination. A separate survey of 70 universities found that postgraduate taught course enrolments were down by more than 40% since January's immigration changes.
Vivienne Stern, UUK's chief executive, said: “I regret the fact the government appears to want to diminish our success in this area. Our new data shows that if they wanted to see a reduction in numbers, they have already achieved that through policy changes introduced earlier this year. If they go further, they will damage the economies of towns and cities throughout the UK, as well as many universities.”
The rules introduced in January barred international students on taught courses, such as master's degrees, from bringing family members with them. UUK said students were also being put off by uncertainty over the post-study work offer, after the government asked the Migration Advisory Committee to review whether international students should be allowed to stay for at least two years after completing a course.
Data from the Enroly admissions management service shows postgraduate acceptances down by 37% so far this year. Jeff Williams, Enroly's chief executive, said: “The downturn in January 2024 signals the impact of UK policy on recruitment volumes, underscoring the industry's sensitivity to political and economic factors.” More than 320,000 international students account for nearly half of enrolments on taught courses, paying average tuition fees of about £17,000 a year. A new study commissioned by UUK found that the growth in international students since 2019 has delivered a £60bn boost to the UK economy.
The Department for Education said: “We are fully focused on striking the right balance between acting decisively to tackle net migration, which we are clear is far too high, and attracting the brightest students to study at our universities.”
