A UK government review of the post-study work visa will look at whether the system is being abused and if graduates are getting good jobs, according to the higher education minister, who refused to rule out further changes to the crucial scheme.
Speaking to Times Higher Education, Robert Halfon said that universities should be reassured that the government remains committed to encouraging international students to come to the country and that it had been “clear” in its approach despite a string of changes that sector leaders say have harmed the UK’s competitiveness abroad.
This month, the home secretary, James Cleverly, announced a review of the visa – which allows overseas graduates to stay and work for two years after completing a course – as part of a range of measures aimed at cutting immigration, just months after banning master’s students from bringing dependants with them.
“We’re considering the current range of discounts available to these new entrants and those with PhDs, and that will be incorporated into the new rules,” Mr Halfon said of the review.
