April 2024
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This conference focused on the future of international students in the UK higher education system. It brought together stakeholders and policymakers to examine key issues for policy, the HE sector and students themselves.
Delegates assessed current recruitment practices and options for the future in the context of the Government’s International Education Strategy ambition for UK universities to recruit 600,000 international students per year by 2030.
Attendees also considered concerns, including those raised by the House of Lords Industry and Regulators Select Committee, that international student recruitment comes with risks for UK universities.
The conference took place against a backdrop of policy developments around net migration levels, alongside ambitions to maintain and further the UK’s competitiveness as a global teaching and research hub.
Further sessions in the agenda discussed priorities for improving the international student experience and employability post-university, with the Government recently requesting the Migration Advisory Committee to review the graduate visa route to prevent abuse of the system.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Anne-Marie Graham, Chief Executive, UKCISA; Professor Brian Bell, Chair, Migration Advisory Committee; and Lecturer, King’s College London; and Haleema Masud, International Students Policy Advisor, UCAS.
Overall, areas for discussion included:
- policy:
- priorities and options for the sector and government moving forward
- the visa and wider legal framework for international students - impact of new rules on dependents and student visas
- assessing reform to the processes of applying and relocating to the UK - supporting the UK’s attractiveness and reputation as a study destination
- recruitment: emerging patterns in international student admissions figures for UK HEIs - tailoring strategies to reflect international market trends - examining best practice in other countries
- financial sustainability: the role of international students in UK higher education - issues around potential HE sector dependence on international student fees and alternative options
- international student experience:
- latest thinking on student expectations - the international competitive landscape for student recruitment - how the UK can best meet requirements
- supporting the transition for international students - creating welcoming and inclusive campus cultures - tackling harassment and isolation - priorities for teaching, learning and support
- employability and careers: visa changes and immigration rules - internships and work placement opportunities - improving careers information, advice and guidance
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from DBT; Department for the Economy, NI; DfE; DSIT; DWP; FCDO; Home Office; ICIBI; IPO; MAC; UKVI; and the Welsh Government; as well as parliamentary pass-holders from both Houses of Parliament.
