Overseas student inquiries rise after Labour's 'change of tone'
A change of mood music from the Labour government on student immigration has helped boost the number of inquiries from overseas students wanting to study at UK universities, The Guardian reports.
The report says the rise in interest has provided a much-needed boost to the higher education sector.
It adds that admissions officers have seen a significant increase in inquiries from international students and their families since the General Election.
One vice-chancellor reportedly told the paper that Labour's change in tone will help tackle the fall in international student numbers that were forecast in July.
However, the report also warns that the previous Conservative government's clampdown on the issuing of student visas could have a lingering impact.
Welcomed international students to the UK
The speech by the education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, two weeks after taking office which welcomed international students to the UK has been warmly received by the higher education sector.
In it, she praised international students for contributing economically but also culturally to the UK.
One of those who said the speech had been recognised overseas was the vice-chancellor of the University of Surrey, Prof Max Lu.
He told the newspaper that agents in India, China and south-east Asian markets had given positive feedback.
Mr Lu said: "I got a briefing from my director of admissions saying that international postgraduate conversion rates have gone up."
Applications from overseas students
Other universities have confirmed that they too have seen a rise in applications from overseas students - but fear that a revival in numbers may not happen in time for the autumn drive for international postgraduate recruitment.
The University of Reading's international pro-vice-chancellor, Dr Caroline Baylon, said the minister's tone was 'helpful'
She added that students and agents listen to the messages from politicians and bright young people want to feel welcomed.
Significance of international tuition fees
The Guardian's 2025 university guide underscores the significance of international tuition fees which help universities subsidise domestic undergraduates.
Plus, recent research from the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) quantifies the economic value of international students to the UK.
Focusing on Parliamentary constituencies, the study found that just one year's intake of international students in top-performing areas like Leeds Central and Headingley, Sheffield Central, and Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West can contribute more than half a billion pounds.
Collectively, the top 20 constituencies, mostly in England, generate a combined £8.3 billion in benefits from international students.
However, the bottom 20 constituencies see a mere £88 million.
Overall, international students contribute £41.9 billion to the UK economy annually, with public service costs of £37.4 billion.
'Interest from overseas students'
Simon Thompson, the managing director of Accommodation for Students, said: "There will be a lot of student landlords pleased to hear that interest from overseas students is rising again.
"Not only do these students pay more to study in the UK, but they also benefit the area where they live financially."
He added: "While the Conservatives brought in a student visa crackdown, it's important to appreciate the benefits that overseas students can bring.
"They benefit the student accommodation sector and are usually reliable tenants for student properties."
