Universities Face Financial Strain as International Student Fees Become Essential Income

International Students Bring £450 Million to Manchester’s Economy, Study Finds

Amid the ongoing debate surrounding international student policies, a senior university official has called for the removal of a rule that prevents some international students from bringing their families to the UK. Professor Jennifer Watling of Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) highlighted that the restriction, introduced in 2024, has led to a decline in international student admissions. She emphasised that international students not only bring valuable cultural diversity but are also crucial sources of funding for many universities.

In response, a government spokesman acknowledged the importance of international students but reiterated that "net migration must come down." Despite recognising the contributions of international students, the Labour government has maintained that there are no plans to lift the ban on relatives accompanying them, a measure originally introduced by the Conservative government to reduce migration. Home Office figures show a decline in international student visa applications at some universities since the policy was introduced. Professor Watling explained that the cap on domestic fees forces universities to rely on income from international students, who pay an average of £22,000 annually, compared to £9,535 for UK undergraduates. Some international students pay as much as £38,000, according to UCAS.

According to 2024 figures from Universities UK, there are over 51,000 international students in the north-west of England. A Higher Education Policy Institute study found that international student fees are vital for universities, with Rose Stephenson noting that international students contribute £450 million to Manchester's economy, or over £3,500 per resident per cohort. Despite the decline in admissions, international students are still drawn to opportunities in the UK. Margarida Vasconcelos, a digital marketing student at MMU, cited the cultural and religious diversity in Manchester as a key reason for her choice. A Home Office spokesman emphasised that the government values the contributions international students make to the economy, education, and society. The ongoing discussion underscores the need to balance immigration control with the benefits that international students bring to the UK.

Editor's Note

The ongoing debate over the UK's international student policies has sparked a critical conversation about balancing immigration control with the contributions that international students bring to the country. Senior university officials, such as Professor Jennifer Watling from Manchester Metropolitan University, have called for the removal of a 2024 rule that prevents some international students from bringing their families to the UK. This policy has reportedly led to a decline in international student admissions, a major concern given the significant cultural and economic benefits these students provide. International students are crucial to universities, both for their diverse perspectives and as a source of funding. With UK universities facing financial constraints, many institutions are increasingly dependent on the higher fees paid by international students, who pay considerably more than their domestic counterparts. While the government acknowledges the positive impact of international students, it remains firm in its stance to limit net migration, maintaining that there are no plans to lift the ban on family accompaniment.

Skoobuzz believes that this situation highlights the importance of thoughtful policies that balance economic, cultural, and social factors in the evolving landscape of higher education.