UK Universities argue for reinstation of a post-study visa

NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 13: Following the recent report published by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), representatives from Universities UK International (UUKI) are vying for the reinstation of a post-study work visa which will allow international students to undertake employment in the UK after graduation.

The demand by the representatives of Universities UK (UUKI) has been gaining momentum after there has been a documented decrease in the number of international candidates for study in UK. With the quantity of international students in the USA and Australia going up by 9.4% and 10.7% respectively, UK is lagging behind with a meagre 0.5 per cent increase in international student intake. Landing amidst nations like USA, Australia and Germany in terms of international student population, the migration report delineates the decline in UK’s popularity due to the comparatively less alluring work after study opportunities in the country.

A recent migration report published by the MAC on the impact of international students in UK has instigated a renewed effort to work towards the reinstation of the post-study work visa which was discontinued in 2012.

With current work after study opportunities being limited to the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur, Tier 2 (General) and Tier 4 Doctorate Extension Scheme visas, all of which require sponsorship from various institutions or firms, the possibilities for employment after graduation in the UK are limited for international students. In comparison, countries like the US and Canada which allow students to stay in the country for up to three years after graduation are definitely more attractive to prospective students. In order to give a boost to UK’s edge over rival countries, many representatives from UUK have argued for a time-limited visa to be established. Such a manoeuvre will not only enable students to avail of various employment and professional opportunities available in the UK, but also help the nation maintain its international student population and make international students feel welcome.

According to Universities UK, the move would allow the UK to compete with other popular destinations such as Australia and Canada who have more welcoming student visa policies.

Prof Chris Day, Vice-Chancellor and President of Newcastle University, said, “Newcastle University strongly supports this proposal which we believe is an essential step to make Newcastle and the whole of the UK, more attractive to the international students and graduates who make such a vital contribution to our community and economy.”

The reinstation of the two-year work visa or an equivalent introduction may bring UK back to the forefront of international education.