Education sector to help deliver an educational experience to the international students
The UK Council for International Student Affairs has called on the government to work with the education sector to help deliver an educational experience to the international students. The request to the UK government has contained 15 key steps to be made to ensure the students feel welcomed and present the UK as a world-class destination.
Amongst others, UKCISA asked for the following:
- extend and expand flexibility in the visa and immigration system with connection to the Covid-19
- review the implementation of new immigration rules for EU/EEA/Swiss students and extend the transition period
- communicate a clear welcome message to all international students in the UK at every level of study
- -provide an excellent student experience and create a lifelong connection to the UK
In addition to above, the government has been asked to delay the implementation of the planned increase to the NHS Immigration Health Surcharge for international students as it might cause a financial disadvantage to some students and interrupt their studies.
With the main focus on the international student experience, the international students need to feel welcomed, from when they start their visa application process, to arriving in the UK, enjoying an excellent academic experience, and creating a lifelong connection with the UK.
The UK is a popular destination in the world for international students. However, in the current situation caused by pandemic, Brexit, and the increasing global competition, the UK needs to take steps to secure the future of the industry and therefore, the government support is necessary.
Last year, the UK government published its International Education Strategy, whose aim is to boost international student numbers by 30% and the economic income of the industry to £35 billion annually by 2030.
