A new academic year is approaching, but it looks like there will be fewer international students on campuses. Recent statistics show that the number of work and study visa applications has dropped by over a third compared to last July, with some institutions anticipating up to a 50% decrease in new international enrollments. This decline is causing a significant financial strain on many universities, which rely on higher fees from international students to balance their budgets and avoid closures.
The political climate for international students has been particularly harsh over the past year, especially with the start of election campaigns. The Conservative government and Reform leader Nigel Farage have targeted international students in their efforts to win votes. Farage and some Conservative ministers have suggested that international students are a major factor in rising immigration—a term used negatively by many parties this election season—despite the debate over whether students actually affect net migration to the UK. Countries like the US and Canada often exclude international students from their immigration statistics, as they are typically temporary residents who return home after their studies.
Prominent Conservatives, such as Robert Jenrick and James Cleverly, have repeatedly portrayed international students as low-quality individuals exploiting the immigration system. Farage has even promised to “freeze non-essential immigration” and further restrict our post-graduation stay rights.
The perpetuation of these stereotypes is frustrating. International students contribute significantly beyond the fees we pay; we engage with local communities, work diligently, and help bridge cultural gaps. Demonizing us is not only narrow-minded but also detrimental to the country.
The recent policy changes have been particularly disheartening. In May 2023, former Home Secretary Suella Braverman announced a ban on international students bringing their families to the UK during their studies. This move seems unnecessarily harsh, especially since other popular study destinations still allow it. Many international students had families and dependents before moving here, and the previous policy required proof of financial ability to support them.
Studying in the UK is becoming increasingly expensive, not just due to living costs. In February, the immigration health surcharge for visa applications was increased by 66%, from £624 to £1,035 per year. It feels as though we are first vilified and then exploited as a source of revenue.
I am also weary of the persistent stereotypes. Having moved from Beijing to London four years ago, I’ve experienced firsthand that discrimination against international students is commonplace. While many of my classmates are welcoming, negative assumptions fueled by right-wing politicians and media persist. Since the Covid pandemic, discrimination against students from East and Southeast Asia has intensified, with incidents such as a Chinese friend being attacked and another facing racial hostility. There’s a troubling assumption that all Chinese students are spies, even though many are risking their safety to protest against their own government. It often seems that our identities are overshadowed by our visa status and appearance.
When the focus shifts to our perceived usefulness, it’s often only in terms of financial value. As UCL provost Michael Spence, an international student from Australia, noted, we’re losing sight of the human element. Amidst the heated immigration debate, we forget that international students are people too. Research by the House of Commons indicates that 76% of domestic students believe that studying with international peers provides a better worldview, and 85% see it as good preparation for working in a global environment. Educating international students also helps Britain build personal connections with future world leaders and enhance its soft power, which is crucial in a world rife with conflicts.
I love the UK, where I met my partner and began my dream career. The multicultural environment has broadened my perspective and creativity, and I hope my peers have gained similarly. I plan to stay, especially since Labour has pledged to maintain the graduate visa route. However, if the UK wants to remain a culturally inclusive and vibrant place for students, we need to change our discourse about international students to acknowledge our humanity.
