The UK Minister of State for Universities, Michelle Donelan MP together with Education Ministers from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as the Minister for Exports at the Department of International Trade, issued an open letter to address international students, including Indians; on key areas such as visas, health and university preparedness, as well as confirming the UK’s long tradition of welcoming talented international students from around the world.

Reassuring International Students

Responding to the letter, Study Group Chief Executive Officer Emma Lancaster said, “We are delighted to see policy changes introduced by the Government to welcome international students. In particular the recent changes to post-study work, which will now be available to international graduates for two years, including those who have undertaken part of their studies online due to COVID-19.”

“These practical changes and this initiative to directly address international students looking to the UK as a study destination will go a long way to reassuring prospective international students that the UK is still the best destination for their studies. It will also help to ensure the sector remains competitive and help the joint International Education Strategy meet its education export target.”

A Genuine Welcome through Tangible Policies 

According to James Pitman, Study Group's Managing Director for UK & Europe and Chair of Exporting Education UK, demonstrating a genuine welcome for international students through tangible policies will be fundamental to the UK recruiting a positive share of international students in the face of COVID-19. He said: “Now is a critical moment for international students considering their study options and it is understandably an uncertain and stressful time to do so. These students and their families need to be sure that the decision to study in the UK is the right one for their futures, and that their investment will be rewarded with support once they arrive and the opportunity to contribute through early career opportunities for a period once they graduate.

“There is now a common understanding across government that this will be a key priority for a global Britain rebuilding our economy and new industries of the future after the coronavirus. International students also play a significant role in levelling up towns and cities across the UK with their injection of funding, vitality and talent. These are relationships the UK is keen to develop and strengthen through the much-needed International Education Strategy, so I am delighted that the Minister has listened to advice from the education sector and that she has reached out directly to students in this way.