Student migration in the UK

Article

The government's overall objective is to reduce total net immigration to the UK 'from the hundreds of thousands to the tens of thousands'. Net immigration via routes over which the government does have control, including student migration from outside the EEA, will have to be cut by substantially more than half in order to meet this overall objective.

Data on compliance in the student visa system is limited, but suggests that rates of non-compliance are relatively low. Given this, it is clear that cuts of the magnitude sought by the government will not be achieved simply by stamping out abuse. Indeed, even stopping all student migration for courses below degree level would not reduce the total numbers sufficiently to meet the government's overall objective.

There is a risk that the proposed changes in the student visa regime impose substantial (and very real) costs on the education sector and the wider economy simply in order to deliver largely illusory reductions in migration statistics.

Related items

  1. A group of children sit around a table at primary school. A little boy smiles into the camera

    Breaking the cycle: A blueprint for special educational needs and disability (SEND) reform

    The education system is not working well enough for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), their families, or the professionals delivering support.
  2. A group of young women laughing sitting around a cafe table

    Making space: Meeting the needs of young women and girls through Young Futures

    This is a critical moment for the government’s delivery of Young Futures Hubs, which can transform outcomes for young women and girls. 
  3. Doctor with patient for consultation, medical advice or procedure at clinic

    Building the foundations for transformation in the NHS

    The government has published a bold 10-year plan to transform England’s health system which, if fully delivered, will make the NHS of tomorrow look radically different from today’s service.