The UK is experiencing a significant decline in applications from international students, with 90% of 75 surveyed universities reporting a drop in applications. This decline is particularly pronounced for postgraduate courses, with a 27% decrease compared to last year. The uncertainty surrounding the graduate visa programme, which allows international graduates to work in the UK after their studies, is cited as a major factor contributing to this decline.
The UK government is awaiting a report from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) before making decisions about the future of the graduate visa programme. Recent statistics from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) show a 4% drop in applications from Indian students to British universities.
Various factors, including ongoing reviews of the graduate visa programme, are discouraging international students from applying to British universities. Organizations representing Indian students in the UK are advocating for the continuation of this visa route.
University leaders, including Sally Mapstone from St Andrews University, emphasize the importance of international students to the UK's culture, economy, and job market. The potential loss of talented graduates could have adverse effects on sectors like the UK's creative industries, which value international talent.
Creative UK and Universities UK have jointly urged the government to maintain the graduate visa programme, highlighting its importance in retaining skilled graduates in the UK workforce. The British Academy has also emphasized the role of international students in enriching the academic and research landscape of the UK.
The UK government acknowledges the need to balance immigration concerns with attracting talented students to British universities. However, the potential consequences of a decline in international student numbers, including financial instability for universities and job cuts, underscore the importance of finding a balanced approach to immigration policy.
