London Unis’ Bold Move: Welcoming International Students

Key Highlights:

1. The ‘Study London’ campaign seeks to enhance the UK’s international competitiveness in higher education.
2. Former Universities Minister highlighted the opportunities for growth, innovation, and discovery.
3. Net migration has decreased by 10% since 2022, with a 25% drop in visa applications following the new changes.

London universities have launched the ‘Study London’ campaign to remind international students that they are welcome to study at these institutions. The campaign is spearheaded by London Higher, the organisation representing the capital’s higher education institutions. It comes in response to recent UK government restrictions on international students in the UK, as reported by Erudera.com.

Diana Beach, Chief Executive Officer of London Higher, emphasised the campaign’s goal to restore confidence in London as a welcoming and safe city. “Study London is about using the best tool the UK has – the draw of its capital city and world-leading higher education institutions – to boost its international competitiveness. We will see it as a success not only if this campaign sees more students applying to London but also to universities right across the UK,” Beech said in a statement. 

Former Universities Minister Lord Johnson of Marylebone also endorsed the initiative, highlighting that studying in London provides opportunities for growth, innovation, and discovery.

As per the London news, the UK government introduced new rules aimed at reducing migration levels earlier this year. This included restrictions on international students bringing family members to the UK. Government estimates suggest that these measures will result in a reduction of about 300,000 people entering the UK. Consequently, there has been an 80% decrease in student-dependent applications and 26,000 fewer student visa applications in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period last year, highlighted the London news.

Recently, the Home Office announced additional proposals to ensure that students come to the UK solely for educational purposes and not as a gateway to immigration. However, the government has decided to retain post-study work rights under the Graduate Route, albeit with the provision that it will remain ‘under review.’

The Home Office noted that net migration has dropped by 10% since 2022, with the latest figures showing a 25% decrease in student visas following the new changes. The decision to maintain the Graduate Visa was supported by findings from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), which found no evidence of abuse in this route. The Graduate Route allows international students in the UK to stay for at least two years after graduation or three years for PhD students. 

Conclusion

The ‘Study London’ campaign by London Higher represents a significant effort to reaffirm London’s position as a premier destination for international students amid recent government restrictions. As the campaign unfolds, its success will be measured not only by increased student visa applications to London but also by its broader impact on the UK’s higher education landscape. Stay updated with more such information with amber news.