In today’s blog update, we’ll talk about the UK Report Recommends Capping International Students and Abolishing Graduate Visas
Centre for Policy Studies (CPS) Report Highlights
A recent report by the Centre for Policy Studies (CPS), a prominent right-wing thinktank, recommends significant changes to the UK’s immigration system, particularly targeting international student visas and the Graduate visa. The report, titled “Taking Back Control,” proposes capping the number of international students and abolishing the Graduate visa immediately.
** Check the latest UK Visa Application Fees with V&I UK Visa Application Fees Calculator for free.
Scrutiny on Universities and Student Visas
The report suggests that universities found to have “sustained abuse” should lose their ability to sponsor student visas. Specifically, London-based satellite campuses of non-London universities, which often offer master’s courses of questionable quality, should be closely monitored. Co-authored by Conservative MP Neil O’Brien, the report emphasizes holding universities accountable for their international student programs.
** Willing to migrate to UK? V&I will guide you in the step-by-step process.
Quality Over Quantity
The CPS report argues that the target of attracting 600,000 international students annually should be revised to prioritize quality over quantity. It claims that student immigration routes are often abused, with high dropout rates and low academic standards, and that many students remain in the UK after their studies, frequently in low-paid jobs.
** Want to work in UK? V&I is here to help you.
Recommendations for Reform
The report recommends:
- Capping the number of international students.
- Abolishing the Graduate visa.
- Monitoring universities for abuse and revoking their sponsorship rights if necessary.
- Focusing on the education of local populations over international students.
- Ensuring Genuine Study Intentions
Karl Williams, CPS research director and report co-author, stresses that the proposed reforms aim to ensure that those who come to the UK on student visas are genuinely there to study. The reforms seek to put Parliament in control of the number of study visas issued, reducing potential abuses and maintaining the integrity of the UK’s education system.
These recommendations, if implemented, could significantly impact international students and the universities that host them, shifting the focus towards higher academic standards and genuine educational intentions.
For more updates on UK immigration, sign up for our newsletter today.
