A new report by the UK think tank Policy Exchange claims that many international students are using university education as a backdoor to live and work in the UK. The report calls for the scrapping of the graduate visa route for most students, saying the current system encourages migration rather than education.
The graduate visa allows international students to stay in the country for up to two years after graduation. However, government reforms in 2024 already reduced this to 18 months and banned many students from bringing their families. Still, Policy Exchange believes tougher action is needed. The report reveals a 66% rise in foreign student numbers since 2015, as well as a sharp increase in students switching visas. Critics warn that this may be affecting UK students’ chances of getting admitted to university.
However, the United Kingdom universities argue that international students boost the economy and should be welcomed. The government says it will introduce stricter rules to prevent visa misuse while maintaining the UK’s attractiveness to genuine students.
