Education Secretary signals plan to push for more international students
The Home Office is under increased pressure to cut migration in the run-up to the next general election.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Education Secretary may challenge the Home Office’s plan to cut migration, arguing that the financial boost from international students to British universities was “hugely valuable”.
Gillian Keegan said she is wanting to expand education export revenues from about £26bn to £35bn by 2030.
Speaking with the Financial Times, Ms Keegan said the university sector was one which “we should be very proud of”.
She said: “It’s world-leading, a great advert to our country. We have a strategy which is very much focused on growing the revenue.”
It comes as Home Secretary Suella Braverman looks for ways to control migration – however, as of Thursday, she was still refusing to put a timeline on when the Government’s plans to stop small boats crossing the Channel would succeed.
The Government has been under serious pressure from Tory backbenchers over the issue, with some calling for more urgent action from the Prime Minister.
In the run-up to the next general election, Rishi Sunak has signalled the publishing of legislation to stop migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats as one of his top five priorities.
According to the Financial Times, in 2022 there were 680,000 overseas students enrolled in UK universities – more than the Government’s 600,000 target.
The paper added that, according to officials, Ms Keegan and Ms Braverman met on Thursday to discuss options, including reviewing the eligibility of overseas students for a two-year work visa and the ability of students on “low-value” courses to bring dependants to Britain.