After months of media speculation about proposed policy changes affecting international students studying in the UK, we finally have a government statement of intent – namely, to restrict the number of dependents coming to the UK with international students at a postgraduate level.
While the detail of the policy change is not yet publicly available, we do at least understand its direction. The statement also signposted areas where this government intends to do further work. UKCISA is particularly keen to ensure that the government works with our members and international student representatives on the review of maintenance requirements. It’s true to say that we are experiencing the highest level of international student applications and enrolments in the UK. This growth comes from markets that are demographically more likely to bring dependants with them for a lengthy period of study.
The growth In these markets – particularly India and Nigeria – is not surprising given that they were targeted by this government’s own International Education Strategy. The UK’s International Education Champion, Professor Sir Steve Smith, has arguably knocked his targets out of the proverbial park in terms of international recruitment from these strategically important markets.
Any restriction on dependants for postgraduate taught students is extremely worrying, as this could materially damage many institutions’ ability to diversify their recruitment. After all, as UKCISA’s recent annual policy review shows, 64% of international students are undertaking postgraduate taught degrees, often ensuring that these courses are financially viable for domestic students to benefit from. Significant cuts to this cohort can only be detrimental to both the sector and this government’s ambitions and will undoubtedly have a more marked impact.
