UK’s Political Shift: Changes Ahead for International Students

Key Highlights:

1. Keir Starmer has become the UK's new Prime Minister following a significant victory for the Labour Party after over a decade in opposition. His administration is expected to have a considerable impact on immigration policies, which will affect both international students and the British economy.
2. The UK government has implemented new immigration and international student enrollment policies. 
3. Notably, the Migration Advisory Committee recommended maintaining the current UK Graduate Route, which allows international students in UK to work in the UK for two years post-study. 
4. Keir Starmer emphasizes economic growth and recognizes the significant contributions of international students to the UK’s economy and university finances. 
5. Despite a nearly 80% fall in student-dependent applications in early 2024, international students continue to play a vital role in supporting the financial stability of UK universities and local economies.

After a long wait of 10 years in opposition, the Labour Party achieved a significant triumph, and Keir Starmer was elected as the new Prime Minister of Britain. Migrants wanting to reside in the UK and international students intending to study at UK universities are going to have a lot to look forward to.

Immigration was a key issue during the 2024 general election, with both main parties vowing to reduce the ‘Net Migration rate’. The way the new UK leadership handles immigration issues is predicted to have considerable effects on the future of both international students and the British economy.

Ruth Arnold, Executive Director- External Affairs, Study Group, stated, “Keir Starmer has been careful to take a nuanced view of immigration. On the one hand, he is committed to tackling low-skilled immigration through training local workers, on the other, he has supported migration which adds to skills and society.”

“In 10 constituencies, including the seat that Sir Keir Starmer himself represents, international students bring in benefits worth more than £400m. He also understands the vital role international students play in UK university finances and local economies. So universities confidently expect Labour to continue to positively support international students in government as they always have in opposition,” adds Arnold.

According to the UK news for international students, the UK being the second most popular International student destination, hosts 700,000 international students worldwide due to its attractive graduate route, top-notch research, and massive international brand.

The Conservative Party's major goal was to reduce net migration rates. The UK government has modified its immigration and international student enrollment laws, effective January 2024, with other changes due later this year. Before the elections, the Conservatives formed a Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to study the graduate route. The post-study work visa, often known as the graduate route, permits graduates of British universities to work in the UK for two years after they finish their studies.

Following a study, the Migration Advisory Committee issued a report recommending that the UK Graduate Route remain in its existing shape, thereby offering assistance to abroad students. 

New regulations for international students in UK and immigrants are yielding the anticipated effects for the UK government. Almost 80% fall in student-dependent applications was received in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Since January of this year, the British Home Office has awarded 139,100 visas to skilled professionals, skilled workers in health and care, and students, a decrease from 184,000 during the same period last year. The general wage criteria for the Skilled Worker visa has increased from £26,200 to £38,700, and the impact of this move is expected to be apparent in future statistics releases.

A report titled 'UK Higher Education Financial Sustainability Report January 2024' observes that UK Higher Education faces financial issues that could impair quality, student results, and international stature, potentially weakening economic gains and hurting student retention.

Political transitions often influence tuition fee structures and financial aid offered to overseas students. While university tuition for overseas students varies greatly, government financing and assistance programs have a significant impact on these expenditures. The recent Labour Party manifesto called for lower tuition costs and increased support for higher education. Implementing these policies could make UK education more affordable for international students, as the UK government rules for international students.

TL;DR

Keir Starmer's rise to Prime Minister marks a new era for the UK, especially concerning the international students in UK & immigration policies. The Labour Party's nuanced approach aims to balance local workforce development with the benefits of skilled migration, significantly impacting international students in UK and the broader economy.