Policy Institute report - China

Commenting on "The China question revisited", a new report from the Policy Institute, Russell Group Interim Director of Policy Dr Hollie Chandler said: 

“While in recent years Chinese students have represented a smaller proportion of international students in the UK than in the US and Australia, our members recognise the importance of a diverse intake to boost financial resilience and Russell Group universities have increased numbers of international students from key markets such as India, the UAE and Nigeria by more than 50% since 2017. 

“The return of the graduate visa has been crucial to supporting diversification and growing recruitment in new markets. Lord Johnson is right that the mixed political signals we’ve seen over student immigration despite high levels of public support risks undermining this progress. 

“In both international student recruitment activities and the development of new R&D partnerships, Russell Group universities are acutely aware of the need to protect both institutional financial resilience and the UK national interest. Our members are ready to work with Government to maximise the benefits of international students and research collaboration for the UK while doing everything possible to minimise risks.”