The UK has recently announced promising news for international students, particularly those planning to arrive in September 2024, reinforcing its reputation as a welcoming destination that appreciates the contributions of overseas students.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, speaking at the Embassy Education Conference in London, delivered encouraging remarks for international students. She acknowledged their courage in moving to a new culture far from home and expressed pride in their decision to study in the UK. Phillipson emphasized the government’s commitment to helping these students succeed, highlighting the graduate visa scheme that allows them to stay in the UK for two years after completing their studies, or three years for PhD graduates, to work, live, and contribute.
Edward Hobart, the UK Ambassador to the UAE, reiterated this message in a statement to Khaleej Times. He noted that international students, including those from the UAE, bring valuable skills, experiences, and diverse backgrounds to the UK. Hobart highlighted the increasing number of UAE students in the UK, with over 8,000 currently enrolled, nearly double the figure from five years ago. UCAS data shows a rising trend, with 3,690 applications from UAE students for undergraduate courses starting in September 2024.
Hobart reassured that international students are warmly welcomed and can stay and work for two years post-graduation under the graduate visa route. This commitment from the new Labour government underscores the UK’s dedication to providing world-class education and fostering inclusive communities.
Sam McNeilly, a research specialist at Hale Education UK, praised the UK’s graduate visa scheme for its generosity compared to other countries. It offers graduates access to a diverse job market with opportunities in finance, technology, healthcare, and creative industries. He mentioned that this visa also provides a pathway to permanent residency for those who secure employment.
Despite previous government discussions about abolishing the graduate visa to curb immigration, the new Labour government pledges greater support for higher education, signaling a positive direction for international students. McNeilly noted that approximately 700,000 international students are currently studying in the UK, a 37% increase since the scheme’s introduction.
Rema Menon Vellat, Director of Counselling Point Training and Development, acknowledged the current challenges in the UK job market but remains hopeful for improvement. She highlighted that students investing in their education seek job opportunities and practical experience in the UK, which would benefit their careers.
Syrian student Abdel Soud, heading to the UK to study computer science and software engineering, expressed optimism about the graduate visa. He hopes it will provide support amid the current economic downturn, enabling him to find a job after graduation.
However, some UAE students in the UK, like Neil Bhattacharya from Warwick University, voiced concerns about the financial commitments associated with the graduate visa, including the health surcharge. Bhattacharya noted that while the visa offers an option to stay, securing employment remains challenging due to hiring freezes and companies’ reluctance to sponsor visas.
Despite these challenges, the reaffirmed commitment to the graduate visa and the growing number of international students indicate a bright future for those choosing the UK as their study destination.
