Russell Group responds to Secretary of State's comments on international students

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23 July 2024

Commenting on remarks from the Secretary of State for Education on international students, made at the Education Embassy Conference in London today, Chief Executive of the Russell Group Dr Tim Bradshaw said:

"The Secretary of State is absolutely right to say international students make an enormous contribution to our university communities, bringing energy and new perspectives that enrich the learning environment for everyone.

"The UK is a great place to study for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and the clear message from the government today is that talented students from around the world will find a warm welcome here.

"We hope these positive comments will draw a line under previous political rows and herald more stability in student migration policy. In turn, this will enable universities to develop longer-term plans that will not only benefit students but will help deliver on other key priorities such as local and regional economic growth."

Read more about international students in the UK in our latest briefing below, and see the full speech from the Secretary of State here.

Briefing – International students in the UK

Download (PDF)

Notes

London Economics modelling shows a single cohort of international students produces a net economic benefit of £37bn across the UK.
Polling for the Russell Group has shown the public understand the importance of international students and the benefits they bring to the UK. A majority of those polled agreed bringing more international students to the UK would help the economy and that those who remain in the UK to work after their studies have a positive impact.
Recent Home Office data suggested applications for sponsored study visas in June were 28% lower than in the same month in 2023.