London: In a notable boost for the UK higher education sector, applications from international students have seen a significant increase following a positive policy shift by the Labour government. This revival comes as a direct result of Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson's welcoming statements on international students.
In a speech two weeks after taking office, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasised the UK’s openness to international students, praising their contribution to both the economy and cultural diversity.
She stated unequivocally, "International students are welcome in the United Kingdom. This new government appreciates their contributions to our colleges, towns, and country."
This shift in tone has been widely recognised and appreciated by students and recruitment agents across key markets.
Prof Max Lu, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Surrey, praised Phillipson for her impactful messaging," “I got a briefing from my director of admissions saying that international postgraduate conversion rates have gone up.
According to Lu, feedback from agents in China, India, and Southeast Asia has been overwhelmingly positive and reflected in a rise in inquiries and applications, providing a much-needed boost to the sector's financial health.
Several vice-chancellors attending the Universities UK annual conference this week confirmed Surrey’s response but warned that the revival may not come quickly enough for international postgraduate recruitment this autumn.
Previous concerns
Before this policy shift, there were concerns about a potential decline in international student numbers due to stringent visa regulations under the previous Conservative government. Many universities feared a steep drop in applications, which would have exacerbated financial pressures stemming from frozen domestic tuition fees and rising operational costs.
However, the recent increase in international applications suggests that the government's more favourable stance is having a tangible impact.
While the full effects on postgraduate recruitment may take time to materialise, the immediate response from international students has been encouraging.
Looking forward
The government’s renewed focus on welcoming international students not only helps address financial challenges but also strengthens the UK's global reputation in higher education.
In the first four months of 2024, there was a notable drop of 30,000 applications from international students compared to the same period in 2023.