International Students: Post-study Visa

Debate between Baroness Garden of Frognal and Lord Bates

Wednesday 1st July 2015 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Garden of Frognal (LD)]

What discussions have the Government had directly with universities to determine from them what impact the closure of the visa route has had on their intake of non-European overseas students?

[Lord Bates]

I am very happy to meet representatives of the universities. In fact, earlier this year the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Migration produced a very helpful report entitled UK Post Study Work Opportunities for International Students, which drew on evidence from universities. I have read it, and it may be helpful to follow it up with universities to make sure that we get the message out on what we are selling and what they should be selling—that is, world-class education, in which we specialise, not low-skilled employment.