Morning, Thursday, 18th September 2025
Online
This conference will focus on the future for international students in the UK.
It will bring together stakeholders and policymakers to assess the direction of government policy and priorities going forward for the HE sector and students themselves, including around international student recruitment and its impact on UK universities, visas policy, net migration levels, and proposed changes to the Graduate Route.
Implications of proposed immigration changes
Following the publication of the Government’s Immigration White Paper - including proposals to introduce a tax for every international student enrolled at a UK university - discussion will examine the economic impact of the proposed levy, including its effect on student decision-making, affordability, institutional finances, and the UK’s global competitiveness.
Sessions will explore the potential effect of these changes on international enrolment trends, how they align with the Government’s wider objectives on net migration reduction, labour market supply, and economic growth, as well as potential changes to policy that can take account of the impact on the HE sector.
Delegates will also assess proposals for strengthening requirements regarding sponsoring institutions and recruitment of international students, including new interventions should a sponsor not meet their required duties, as well as reducing the length of time graduates can remain in the UK to 18 months following their studies.
We expect discussion on the potential impact of proposals on universities, how the sector and individual institutions can respond, and what support they may need moving forward, as well as further factors such as regional differences in the ability of institutions to adapt to proposed reforms.
Implications of wider developments such as the new UK-EU trade deal and potential progress towards reinstating the Erasmus programme will also be considered, alongside the impact on the FE sector and international students which transition from FE to HE.
International student recruitment
Looking at priorities for supporting sustainability in the UK’s HE sector, sessions will examine latest thinking on strategic best practice for international student recruitment, particularly in light of restrictions on student dependents, as well as the potential impact of White Paper proposals on enrolment patterns. Alternative options for universities, looking beyond the current role of international students in supporting financial resilience, will be a key focus with discussion on how this is being developed by HEIs and how it can develop in the future.
Delegates will discuss what will be needed from policy, regulation, and the sector itself to address barriers to international student recruitment, such as visa route complexity, post-study work opportunities, and cost of living concerns.
Those attending will look at strategies for improving the wider competitiveness of the UK’s educational offer in terms of course quality and teaching. Sessions will also examine how the UK compares with competitor destinations such as Australia, Canada and the US in terms of post-study work options, cost, and student support, with government proposing to reduce the amount of time international graduates can stay in the UK post-study.
Student experience
Further sessions will discuss priorities for improving international student experience, with a focus on sustaining high-quality standards in teaching and research within an increasingly crowded and demanding global market.
Delegates will look at how to ensure wider factors are in place in UK HEIs to serve key student needs, such as attractive and modernised facilities, housing and accommodation, tailored academic resources, integration support, and campus cultures that support diversity and provide a welcoming environment.
Overall areas for discussion include:
- international student recruitment:
- implications of proposals in the Immigration White Paper on recruitment, including imposed limits on recruitment and strengthened sponsor institution requirements
- discussing key challenges and emerging opportunities - assessing Erasmus+ participation and options for UK-EU youth mobility schemes moving forward
- HEI priorities and competitiveness:
- assessing and meeting expectations across the sector - developing institutional compliance with enhanced visa requirements - addressing the design of action plans
- accounting for capacity constraints - maintaining global institutional reputation and competitiveness - the UK-EU trade deal and potential movement towards an Erasmus programme
- finance:
- the contribution of international students to UK HEI finances and alternative options - priorities for sector-specific funding frameworks moving forward
- assessing multi-year funding models - mitigating sudden financial shortfalls - supporting strategic long-term planning
- application processes and access:
- options for streamlining and reducing complexity - improving transparency of timelines - mitigating administrative burdens - clarity on eligibility frameworks
- refining application deadlines - timely release of funds - enhancing targeted support measures - financial support for disadvantaged students - promoting equitable student participation
- international student experience:
- assessing international student expectations - how the UK can meet current expectations - fostering welcoming and inclusive campus cultures - tackling harassment and isolation
- priorities for teaching, learning and support - sharing and learning from international competitors and best practice
- employment and further study for international students:
- implications of reducing the time international students can spend in the UK post-study - support and guidance post-graduation - reviewing post-study work thresholds
- impact of proposed changes to English language requirements and skilled visa thresholds - next steps for the skilled worker route - supporting students on graduate skill level employment
- strategies to support future global engagement and research partnerships - priorities for improving provider and employer engagement in placement design and delivery
All delegates will be able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates.
