Anxiety looms over the UK’s status as a top choice for international students, as figures from the Home Office reveal a 31% decline in UK sponsored study visas, dropping from 600,024 in 2023 to 415,103 in 2024. This decrease not only impacts the educational sector but also strains the economy of many university cities. Universities UK has highlighted the uncertainty created by measures to reduce net migration, especially concerning the UK’s post-study work offer.
Coventry, a city in the West Midlands, heavily relies on the international student economy, with Coventry University boasting the second-highest percentage of non-UK students in England outside of London. The Higher Education Statistics Agency reported 16,285 international students out of a total of 35,405 at the university, underlining the critical role these students play in the local economy.
Jingwen Yuan, a Coventry University graduate with a masters degree in advanced engineering management, expresses her struggles to secure employment in the UK despite her qualifications. Contrastingly, Mohammed Abdullah Sayyed from India believes that recent visa changes are deterring more students from choosing the UK as a study destination. Coventry University’s tuition fees for international students are notably higher than those for domestic students, adding to the financial burden faced by international students.
Brexit has also left a mark on UK universities, with Coventry University acknowledging a significant impact on their ability to attract EU students. Tougher visa requirements and funding rules have led to a decline in the number of EU students, affecting the diversity and vibrancy of the student community. This trend is felt by Laura Alonso, a student from Spain, who notes a decrease in the number of fellow Spanish students in England following the UK’s withdrawal from the Erasmus+ program.
The overall decrease in international student numbers is not just an educational concern but also reflects on the city of Coventry’s economy. Coventry University’s analysis reveals that international students contribute significantly to the city’s economy, generating an estimated £651m annually. The city’s housing market has also felt the impact, with overseas students moving out of purpose-built accommodation blocks, leading to changes in housing planning and sales. The government’s proposed Immigration White Paper aims to address the challenges faced by the current immigration system, emphasizing the need to boost economic growth and reduce reliance on overseas labor
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