Today’s announcement by the Home Office proposes a review of the way universities work with global education agents to recruit international students, and an increase in the financial requirements for international students coming to the UK.
UKCISA has been working with the British Council, BUILA, Universities UK International, DfE and other stakeholders to ensure that international students are aware of the Agent Quality Framework (AQF) and understand the process of using agents. We will work with government and our sector partners to advise on the proposed changes, to optimise the international student experience of agents.
The announcement makes no mention of the recommendations from the Migration Advisory Committee’s (MAC) to retain the Graduate route in its current form. The Graduate route provides flexible post-study work opportunity for up to two years (three years for a PhD). It enables international students to use and enhance the skills gained from their studies and contribute to the wider economy, and remains a critical part of the UK’s offer to international students. We hope that the next government will commit to its retention.
Any changes announced to immigration requirements will not come into effect until they are in law. Changes that Sponsors need to adhere to will not come into effect until published in the Home Office's guidance for Student Sponsors.
We will continue to consult with the Home Office and UKVI about any proposed changes and their timeline for implementation.
Anne Marie Graham, CEO of UKCISA commented:
"We are consulting with civil servants on the details of today’s announcement, using our expert knowledge of the rules and regulations to advise and to advocate. We will continue to reference our five recommendations for a sustainable international student policy, guided by our #WeAreInternational Student Charter, to ensure students have a positive experience from pre-arrival to post-graduation."
More information about UKCISA's five sustainable international student policy recommendations can be found here.
Our #WeAreInternational Student Charter, including video, is available here.
The government statement can be found here.
