UCU responds to HEPI report in international students

Responding to HEPI's data on the value of international students, UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: 'This data shows the huge social and economic contribution international students, like migrants in general, make to Britain. We need favourable conditions for the UK's higher education sector to thrive in a globally competitive environment. 

'This means a move away from hostile environment policies which threaten our ability to attract and retain international staff and students. The next government must maintain the graduate visa route and reverse the rises in earnings thresholds. At the same time, we need to see a new higher education funding model based on public investment, so our universities do not depend for their financial health on the whims of foreign exchange markets.'