This report, based on workshops and national polling, reveals that there is strong public support for international student migration, and that the public understands the economic and educational benefits brought to Britain by those who come here to study.
International students and the UK immigration debate
This report, based on workshops and national polling, reveals that there is strong public support for international student migration, and that the public understands the economic and educational benefits brought to Britain by those who come here to study.
It finds that:
• 59% of the public says the government should not reduce international student numbers, even if that limits the government’s ability to cut immigration numbers overall. Only 22% take the opposing view.
• 66% of Conservative voters are opposed to reducing student numbers.
• 60% of people think that international students bring money into their local economy. Only 12% think they take money out.
• 61% agree that Britain’s universities would have less funding to invest in top-quality facilities and teaching without the higher fees paid by international students. Only 7% disagree.
• 75% think that international students should be allowed to stay and work in Britain after graduating from British universities, using their skills for the benefit of our economy, for at least a period of time.
• Only 22% of the public thinks that international students should count as migrants. Most people do not understand why they would be counted towards the government’s immigration targets.
Click here to view the full report.