The UK risks losing its crown as a world-leading destination for international students due to a toxic cocktail of negative political rhetoric, policy uncertainty and rising costs (“Britain’s universities are on an unsustainable path”, FT View, January 22).
International students are a huge asset to the UK, not only due to the direct economic benefits — worth £41.9bn according to recent data — but also the value they bring through cultural exchange and soft power.
Fewer international students choosing to come to the UK could push our university funding model beyond breaking point, given they heavily cross-subsidise domestic students through higher fees.
If we are to avoid the sector entering a damaging spiral of decline, politicians should dial back on the negative rhetoric — the debates about dependants and the future of the graduate visa route being just two recent examples — and instead get behind a positive international education strategy.
In the longer-term, it will be vital to grasp the nettle by exploring a more sustainable funding model for universities.
International students must not become a political football amid a broader debate on immigration numbers.
Undermining one of the country’s leading export sectors would damage UK growth, competitiveness and innovation.
Muniya Barua
Deputy Chief Executive, BusinessLDN, London EC1, UK
