Three-quarters of prospective international students are concerned by recent UK government policy changes, according to a survey that warns that further restrictions could cause “irreversible harm” to the sector.
In a bid to reduce net migration levels, the government, which has already restricted overseas students’ ability to bring dependants with them into the UK, has also commissioned a review of the UK’s graduate visa route.
A report by student recruitment firm AECC, which included responses from more than 8,000 students from across 124 countries, suggests that the policies are already affecting demand, and that further changes could see the UK lose out to its rivals.
Of international students who had selected the UK as their preferred study destination, 40 per cent were extremely concerned by recent policy changes, and a further 35 per cent were somewhat concerned.
