Last month, a former Conservative adviser Nick Hillman, echoed the sentiment of many, when he stated that international students should be removed from the UK Government’s target to cut net migration. This is due to the potential risk of Immigration Rules pushing and turning away international talent and damaging universities across the UK.
Nick Hillman: Home Office’s Approach to Foreign Students out of line with Voters
Nick Hillman the former adviser to David Willetts (the Universities Minister), made comments after the findings of a survey conducted by Conservative candidates for the 2015 general election was revealed.
Three-quarters of the prospective Conservative candidates believe that international students should be excluded from any target regarding the reduction of migration in the UK. Further, up to 70% think the UK should be open to recruit all legitimate international students not just the “brightest and the best”.
Nick Hillman commented on the Home Office’s treatment of international students and the surprising results of Conservative candidates:
“The Home Office’s approach to foreign students is not just out of line with voters, it is apparently out of line even with the Conservatives’ own election candidates. whole university sector must redouble its efforts to explain the benefits that post-study work can offer”.
However, 88% of participants stated that they do not believe that international students should have an automatic right to stay in the UK to work, once they have completed their course.
Impact of International Students & Student Visitors
Universities across the UK attract a considerable number of international students each year. In 2011-12, 435,235 students from abroad registered at UK universities. This made up 17% of the total student population.
According to figures released by Hefce earlier this year, Chinese students make up 58% of all international entrants studying maths, followed by 56% in media studies, 47% in business and management studies and 39% in engineering. The figures have shown that international and EU students make up 74% of all students who started masters degrees in 2012-13.
International students contribute to the UK economy in a number of ways. Firstly, these students all make payments directly to universities for their fees (which can be considerably higher than home grown students), accommodation and other costs. On top of this students also buy a wide range of goods and services off-campus. It should also be noted that UK universities play an important role in attracting visitors. This includes leisure visitors such as the friends and family of international students studying in the UK, but also international conference business and international academic business visitors.
Successful UK Student Visa Applications for International Students
Our team of experienced and professionally qualified immigration solicitors and barristers will be able to guide you through the process of making a student visa application step by step and limit the possibility of failure by complying with the strict letter of law.
Contact us so that we can review your case and provide you with an assessment.