UUK Manifesto urges “Maintain rise” in International Student Enrollment

Highlights: 

• The Universities UK (UUK) manifesto emphasizes the importance of maintaining the upward trend in international student numbers.
• The manifesto outlines strategies to enhance the UK’s competitiveness in attracting and retaining international students amidst global competition.
• Key proposals include streamlined visa processes, increased scholarship opportunities, and enhanced support services for international students.

The Universities UK (UUK) has unveiled a manifesto urging for the continuation of the recent rise in international student enrollment. Released today, the manifesto advocates for strategic measures to bolster the UK’s position as a premier destination for global students, citing the economic, cultural, and academic benefits they bring.

The UK body representing 142 institutions across the country has urged the next UK government to work more closely with universities to achieve economic growth and maintain the managed rise of international student numbers.

Universities UK released its manifesto on February 23, urging the incoming government to recognise the contribution that universities make to improving the economy and creating opportunities that matter to voters of all political parties. 

“From boosting the health workforce, to bringing economic prosperity to towns and cities around the UK, Universities UK’s manifesto aims to show what universities have capability to do for the country, with the right path shown from university leaders and from the next government,” said Vivienne Stern MBE, chief executive of UUK. 

UUK urged the government to commit to keep the existing Graduate Route, which grants international graduates the right to stay in the UK for two years after completing their courses to gain experience in the workforce. 

“The government’s “haste” decision to review the Graduate route in response to high net migration has caused “significant uncertainty” for prospective International students and institutions which degrades the competitiveness of the UK as a study destination,”Jamie Arrowsmith, director of UUKi told the SUIG conference at the University of Strathclyde in February.

The Universities UK manifesto advocating for the continued growth of international student enrollment underscores the sector’s recognition of the invaluable contributions these students make. With strategic measures aimed at enhancing competitiveness and support structures, the manifesto sets a clear agenda for sustaining the UK’s position as a premier destination for global students, thus ensuring long-term academic, economic, and cultural benefits for the nation.