“Be in no doubt” – int’l students welcome in UK, says education secretary

Keir Starmer’s government will move away from the “mixed messaging” of previous administrations and towards a more welcoming attitude towards international students, said Bridget Phillipson, speaking at the Embassy Education Conference on July 23.

Overseas students have for “too long… been treated as political footballs, not valued guests. Their fees welcomed, but their presence resented. Exploited for cheap headlines, not cherished for all they bring to our communities,” she said.

“I want to set the record straight on international students. I know there’s been some mixed messaging from governments in the past, from our predecessors most of all… This government will take a different approach and we will speak clearly. 

“Be in no doubt: international students are welcome in the UK. This new government values their contribution – to our universities, to our communities, to our country.” 

Her words echo sentiments she shared last week during an interview with BBC’s Today program, when she vowed that the Graduate Route would be maintained under the Labour government.

In her speech yesterday, Phillipson again set out the length of time international students are able to stay in the UK after their studies – two years on a graduate visa for most, but three years for those with a PhD.

But – perhaps in a nod to parts of the electorate who voted for the anti-immigration Reform Party in this month’s general election – she cautioned that while international students would “always be welcome”, the government is “committed to managing migration carefully”.

In words that will doubtlessly come as a relief to the sector, she promised that Starmer’s new government would view universities as “a public good, not a political battleground”. 

I want our universities to work with their international partners to deliver courses across borders

Bridget Phillipson, secretary of state for education

And she appeared to welcome the prospect of UK institutions forming partnerships around the world to deliver transnational education.

“Our international partnerships are central to this drive to spread opportunity far and wide. The more we work together, the more progress we will see in the world – partners in the push for better,” she said.

“I want our universities to work with their international partners to deliver courses across borders.”

Phillipson also took the time to praise the courage of international students for moving across the world for their studies.

She said: “These people are brave. They move to a new culture, far away from their homes and their families. They take a leap of faith, hoping to develop new skills and chase new horizons. And I am enormously proud that so many want to take that leap here in the UK. And we will do everything we can to help them succeed.” 

 Her words drew praise from the sector.

“I am delighted to hear the secretary of state emphasising that the new UK government clearly recognises the value of international students, their positive impact on the UK, and that they are very welcome here at UK universities. Confirmation that the Graduate route will remain in place is hugely beneficial in offering students currently considering studying in the UK, the certainty and reassurance they need to make decisions on their future.

“This announcement reinforces the UK’s position as a welcoming destination for international students,” said chief marketing officer at NCUK Andy Howells.