Dr Vicky Lewis’ Post

According to a recent poll conducted by King’s College London’s Policy Institute, about 60% of UK citizens think that foreign students significantly boost the nation’s economy. More than 2,000 persons participated in the survey, which demonstrates the broad popular support for international students attending UK universities. https://lnkd.in/g7RE83UF Read more here^ #infinitenewsdesk #educationews #economy #students #inetrnational #proudlyinfinite

Waiting for 2026 to better understand the impact of the 2024 made policies. Qui vivra verra!

International Students Rant!!! I am so frustrated by people believing that all we need to solve the housing crisis and immigration problems is to bar all international students. I may be bias as I am an instructor @ILAC International college, but do have any idea how much International students contribute to the Canadian economy? Didn't think so, it's $22.3 billion per annum. Yes, it is not a typo, it's b as in billion. So, Einstein's how does the government make up the shortfall? How about higher taxes, because I am sure we would all love to pay more taxes? No, then how about reduced services, because who needs more education or health care? I know, increased fees, I can always wear a sweater instead of using heat? Are you saying no to any of the above, then share your solution, and closing Universities and Colleges is not an option as domestic students use those. As an instructor to these students, I have to tell you that they are motivated to learn and become better citizens either here or back in their home countries. They are thirsty for knowledge and soak it all in, unlike domestic students. Yes, I have taught both and it is the difference between night and day. I will anxiously wait for your solutions, remember, $22.3 billion.

Here's a roundup of recent assessments of international students’ contributions in Australia An analysis by National Australia Bank (NAB) found that spending by international students accounted for more than half of the country’s 1.5 per cent GDP growth in 2023. NAB economists write: “The 0.8 per cent boost helped Australia's economy avoid two consecutive quarters of negative economic growth – steering it away from a technical recession. But with student visa approvals falling, that contribution is expected to ease.” Similarly, as reported in Times Higher Education, Business Council of Australia chief executive Bran Black has warned of the potential damage a significant limit on international student numbers could inflict on the Australian economy. He wrote in the Australian Financial Review: “We are playing with Australia’s fourth largest export at a time when our economy is on a knife’s edge. International students accounted for almost a quarter of all GDP [gross domestic product] growth over the year to March 2024. The sector was worth AUD$48 billion (US$32.4 billion) in 2023 and employed over 200,000 people. It’s 48 billion reasons to think twice before we cut too hard.” According to high-level government sources informing an exclusive report published by the Australian Financial Review in early-August 2024, the government is planning to impose overseas enrolment caps for universities on 1 January 2025. Overseas enrolments are expected to be limited to 40% of universities’ total enrolments for two years. The enrolment cap would follow other immigration legislation that is already significantly dampening student demand for Australia.

The supply of education to foreign students studying in the UK has been a major export trade for this country. It has been a massive earner. As a result many universities have come to rely on the courses that attract foreign students as a major source of funding, and of cross subsidisation to less popular courses that they still think it essential that they supply. For the record, accounting and finance courses have been high on the list of those courses that have played this role as major income generators that then cross subsidise other activities. Now those courses are suddenly attracting far fewer students. Not only does this imply that there will be a significant drop in UK invisible earnings from the effective export of these services, but that there will be very rapid knock on effects in the universities themselves.

This article confuses the stock of overseas students, which would keep growing with a net migration target of 235,000, with the growth rate of overseas students which the Government is trying to slow compared to 2023. https://lnkd.in/g5Kze58N

£28.8 billion. That's what international students added to the UK economy. The cost of hosting international students, including the use of public services, is £2.9 billion. The net economic benefit is £25.9 billion. I rarely, come across people who acknowledge the economic benefits of hosting international students. I constantly, come across people who see international students as a burden on the UK economy. Let's stick to facts. #education #international #students

The UK government has announced a significant hike in the financial savings requirements for international students, marking the first adjustment since 2020. This change, effective from January 2, 2025, affects students planning to study in the UK, with new savings thresholds that reflect updated cost-of-living expenses. Updated Financial Requirements for Students To secure a student visa, international students must now demonstrate they have sufficient funds to cover living expenses for each month of their course, up to nine months. This requirement applies differently based on whether the student will study in London or outside the capital: Studying in London: Students need to show evidence of having £1,483 per month. Studying Outside London: Students must prove they have £1,136 per month. Previously, the required amounts were £1,334 per month for London and £1,023 for locations outside London.

A recent study by the Policy Institute at King’s College London reveals that: - Economic Contribution: 60% of UK respondents believe international students significantly benefit the British economy. - Public Opinion on Numbers: 58% are comfortable with the current number of international students or support an increase. - Perceived Costs: 29% think international students impose a significant cost on the economy, up from 22% six years ago. - University Admissions: 18% believe overseas students take places away from domestic students. - Immigration Concerns: Only 29% consider international students a major factor in the UK's net migration statistics. These findings highlight the UK's recognition of the economic and cultural value international students bring, despite some concerns about their impact on domestic opportunities. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dPzRpX8d #InternationalStudents #UKEducation #StudentSupport #GlobalEducation #UKUniversities #StudentCommunity #GlobalOpportunities #StudentVoices #InternationalEducation #StudyInTheUK

Always have to respect that the sector is keen to cheer itself up but there is still too much happy talk. The headline below from a Student Circus post might just reflect that 60% is 7% down on 2018 which reflects a study where the public mood has shifted against international student growth. The research shows that 69% want the same OR FEWER international students. The number wanting fewer students is 26% which is approaching double the percent (15%) wanting more. In general terms the research indicates, as they politely put it, that there has "been some softening in support over recent years." It surprises me that The Policy Institute didn't reflect on the possibility that this softening may be, among other things, a lagging indicator of the public responding to the significant growth in international students after the Graduate Route was introduced. As those students have exercised their post-study work rights (many after a single year of PGT study) it seems possible that the scale of that surge in volume has become more obvious. Another misleading thing about the study is the framing of the issue about whether students should be in immigration statistics. They minimise the scope to "international students who come to study for a degree". This leaves a blind spot on those who then stay for two years as a matter of right which I suspect would materially alter the responses about inclusion or otherwise. #intled #visapolicy #internationalstudentrecruitment #ukhighereducation #highereducation #visa #graduateroute #studentexperience #ukuniversities