UK Government to Cap the Number of International Students

Photo Courtesy: UCL

The UK government’s debate on the proposal to limit the number of international students has recently resurfaced.  

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced back in August that, if he were to become PM, he would work at implementing a cap on the number of foreign students taking “low-quality” degrees. 

This policy, aimed at reducing net migration, was also part of the 2019 Conservatives manifesto.

Discussions surrounding the potential cutback of the number of foreign university students have started to rise again since Rishi Sunak was elected Prime Minister.

As of now, numerous UK universities have expressed their concerns, notably regarding the economic impact that this new guideline could have. 

The Chair of the Migration Advisory Committee explained that reducing the number of incoming foreign students, or even banning the latter, would lead some universities to struggle to survive financially seriously. 

Dr Michael Spence, UCL President & Provost that “international students make a huge economic contribution to the UK by helping to fund vital research and supporting local economies”. He also added that “at UCL alone, the economic contribution to the UK generated by our international students amounts to £1.7bn a year”.

 Recently nominated Home Secretary Suella Braverman publicly complained about this migration wave, reiterating that her “[…] priority remain[ed] tackling the rise in dangerous and illegal crossings and stopping the abuse of our system.” 

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt nonetheless stated that migration was necessary to boost the UK’s economy in this period of financial difficulties.  Furthermore, he explained that, if there was to be a plan to reduce migration, it would have to be done “in a way that doesn't harm the economy", suggesting that universities should not be targeted first.