Graduate Route - What Voters Think

19 May 2024

New polling shows voters value international students and think tackling illegal migration should be the Government’s immigration priority.

A new survey of 1064 UK adults carried out by Survation suggests voters across the UK and supporters of every political party think restricting international student numbers is the wrong immigration priority.

The majority of those polled recognise the contribution international students make to the UK, back universities being able to recruit overseas to support and improve higher education, and agree international graduates should be able to remain in the UK to work and contribute to the economy.

This polling is published as Government is due to consider findings from the Migration Advisory Committee on the Graduate Route visa. Media reports suggest Ministers are considering additional restrictions that would make it more challenging for universities to recruit overseas, cutting export income that helps teach UK students and supports businesses.

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