Government urged to re-think international student rules

Thursday, 17 February 2005 12:00 AM

New figures showing a 5.3 per cent drop in university applications from international, non-EU students has prompted calls for the Government to re-think its policies.

Universities are particularly concerned that new visa charges - brought in to combat immigration fraud - are making it increasingly difficult for international students to apply to Britain.

International students are a lucrative source of revenue to Britain's universities as they pay full course costs directly to the universities.

Although the Government has pledged to encourage a growing number of international students to come to Britain, it has also tightened up the visa application process. And, charges for visas are set to double under plans announced last week.

Universities UK said that the Government needed to remember that international students were "vital" to universities.

Its spokesperson said: "International students are worth £10.4 billion a year to the UK economy, and their presence is not an optional or added bonus for UK universities, but a vital component to their survival."

It warned that although most international students were happy with the education they received here, restrictive visa policies could jeopardise the UK's position.

"Universities have reported difficulties over the past year. We believe this is partly caused by excessive charges for visa extensions imposed by the Government without warning in 2003, that have caused resentment and deterred students," the spokesperson continued.

"The Government's recent announcement to double those visa extension charges for international students is a grave mistake and will further damage international student recruitment to the UK. In the context of this, we are shocked that the Government now proposes to remove the right of appeal if a student's visa application is initially refused."

Benson Osawe, NUS international students' officer said international students should be offered more support.

He said: "I wouldn't be surprised if prospective non-EU students are being confused by the message coming from the Government. They are being welcomed here with open arms by universities because of the collateral they bring in fees but the Government is making it harder for them by imposing further charges and a need for a sponsor, as outlined in the immigration plan."

The NUS will be lobbying parliament next Wednesday to protest about the visa extension fees.

And, Phil Willis, the Liberal Democrat's education spokesman said that tuition and top-up fees needed to be scrapped so universities could concentrate on educating on merit.

He said: "British universities are facing financial meltdown.

"This is another sad consequence of the Government creating a fees-driven market within higher education. We now have a situation where universities have a greater need for higher paying non-EU students but applications from these students are decreasing.

"Universities don't know what their purpose is - are they institutions of higher learning, or businesses looking to maximise revenue in an education marketplace?"

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