University Alliance calls to reintroduce two year post-study work visas

In response to HEFCE’s analysis of international student entrants, Libby Hackett, Chief Executive of University Alliance said:

“This is further evidence that we are losing international students to other nations due to the UK’s restrictive policy on post-study work visas. Some Alliance universities have seen a much as a 50% reduction in overseas students studying STEM over the past 2 years. This is harming our economy as well as our universities. There is a simple fix: reintroduce two year post-study work visas for all graduates from trusted UK universities.

“83% of international students are studying in the UK so that they can get a good job (1). We know that international students want to ensure that in addition to their time at university they will have the opportunity to undertake in-work placements and to contribute back to the UK.”

Notes to editors 

(1)   University Alliance Growing Global Graduates Report

Analysis by HEFCE

University Alliance is a non-partisan, non-political organisation working to promote, safeguard and sustain the public benefit delivered by universities together with our members.

Our members are Bournemouth University, University of Bradford, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Coventry University, Glasgow Caledonian University, University of Greenwich, University of Hertfordshire, University of Huddersfield, Kingston University, University of Lincoln, Liverpool John Moores University, Manchester Metropolitan University, Northumbria University, Nottingham Trent University, Oxford Brookes University, Plymouth University, University of Portsmouth, University of Salford, Sheffield Hallam University, University of South Wales, Teesside University, University of the West of England.

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