With the introduction of a 6% levy and changes to the Graduate Route visa,
students are reconsidering their stay in the UK. Pie News says the new
proposal is, “perceived by many as the final blow in a year marked by
rising costs, policy restrictions, and eroding post-study opportunities.”
International students say, “it’s becoming too much.” The levy is expected
to increase tuition fees for international students. With the prices
already being high, this increase could make studying in the UK unaffordable
for some.
Stabilising measure
The paper was meant to be introduced as a stabilising measure by the
government; whilst it may provide stability for university providers, in
return it is causing stress for international students.
The biggest concerns
Finding a job post-graduation can be hard for many students but reducing
the length of time that a graduate has to find a job can increase that
pressure.
Some students have told Pie News that they are rethinking their
applications altogether, “I was considering applying to UK universities,
but with these new policies, I’m looking at Canada instead.”
The biggest concern, however, is cost. It’s not just about tuition fees,
but the cost to move to the UK, secure accommodation and general
living/maintenance prices have to be factored in too.
The final straw
The last 12 months have been tough for international students, this White
Paper may have just pushed them over the edge, but there are other concerns
too.
The cost-of-living crisis hasn’t just impacted British students but also
those that have moved here to study. Rent prices have increased and so has
the cost of the weekly food shop. Sources all over Google say the UK is
“one of the most expensive countries to live in.”
On top of this, UK Home Office data shows a 10% drop
in Skilled Worker visa applications
year-on-year. This signifies that there is a limited employer uptake,
making such courses less desirable if the employability rates are low.
Long-term risks
With all of these factors coming together, many students are starting to
wonder whether studying in the UK would be a worthwhile experience.
Varsha Devi Balakrishnan at
Pie News
says there is a risk of the UK’s long-term reputation getting damaged by
this move. She says, “Unless these concerns are addressed in both policy and
tone, the UK may see not just a dip in enrolments, but a long-term loss of
trust among globally mobile students who increasingly have alternatives,
and are not afraid to take them.”
