Are universities lowering entry grades for international students?
In a global landscape where higher education is increasingly sought after, universities worldwide are faced with the challenge of attracting a diverse range of students while maintaining academic standards.
A recent report by The Sunday Times has put into question the legitimacy of international students’ acceptances into UK universities. It claims that UK universities are accepting international students who do not meet the academic requirements.
In response to this, a recent article by Jamie Arrowsmith in Universities UK sheds light on a pertinent question: Are universities lowering entry grades for international students?
The allure of studying abroad is undeniable, with students eager to explore new cultures, gain international experience, and access high-quality education. However, the traditional reliance on stringent grade requirements has been subject to scrutiny, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic's disruptions to education.
Can international students ‘buy’ their way into a UK university?
Contrary to the claim made in the Sunday Times article, foreign students cannot simply buy their way into competitive degree courses with subpar grades. Arrowsmith argues that the article's comparison between entry requirements for foundation programs and full degrees is misleading, as these two pathways serve different purposes.
Foundation programs cater to international students, aiming to bridge any educational gaps between their qualifications and those required for undergraduate programs. These programs acknowledge that some international students may need additional preparation due to differences in educational systems, such as completing only 12 years of schooling compared to the 13 years typical for UK students.
While international students may meet English language requirements for foundation programs, they may still need to enhance their academic English skills before progressing to full-degree programs.
It's crucial to note that progression to full-degree programs is contingent upon successfully completing the foundation program and meeting university-set entry requirements equivalent to those for domestic students.
Similarly, foundation programs are not exclusive to international students. In 2021/22, there were 69,325 foundation year entrants at English HE providers.
International students are not offered ‘back door’ entrances to UK education
Arrowsmith points out that the claim that 30% of international students entering UK universities are using "back door routes" lacks substantiation and appears to be misleading. With no provided source or evidence, it's challenging to verify the accuracy of such a statement.
Putting the numbers into perspective, there were approximately 679,000 international students at UK universities in 2021–22. Thus, 30,000 students would represent around 4% of all international students or 10% of all international undergraduate students.
When considering the total number of international undergraduate students, which was just under 307,000, 30% of this cohort would equal 92,000 students – a significantly higher figure than the claim suggests.
These calculations raise questions about the accuracy of the assertion, as the numbers provided do not align with publicly available data.
The shift in admission criteria
Arrowsmith's investigation delves into whether universities are adjusting their admission criteria to accommodate international students who may have faced challenges during the pandemic. While maintaining academic rigor is paramount, universities are also cognizant of the unique circumstances faced by students worldwide.
According to Arrowsmith's findings, some universities have indeed implemented more flexible approaches to admissions for international students. This flexibility may involve considering a broader range of factors beyond grades, such as personal statements, letters of recommendation, or extracurricular achievements – all areas already considered for UK students as well.
There is no compromise to academic standards
However, it's crucial to note that these adjustments do not compromise academic standards. Universities remain committed to ensuring that admitted students have the necessary skills and capabilities to succeed in their chosen courses.
The goal is to provide opportunities for talented individuals from diverse backgrounds while upholding the quality of education offered.
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