Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to check that universities in England do not reduce the intellectual, academic, and necessary linguistic qualifications required of international students admitted as undergraduates below those required of domestic applicants for similar courses.

The UK is outward looking and welcomes international students who make a positive impact on the UK’s higher education (HE) sector, our economy and society as a whole.

Applicants to undergraduate courses usually have to have a minimum level of qualification in order to be considered. Where HE providers accept international qualifications, applicants can apply to the UK National Centre for the Recognition and Evaluation of International Qualifications and Skills for a Statement of Comparability. This compares overseas qualifications to the UK qualifications and framework levels.

HE providers are autonomous bodies, independent of government. As such, they are responsible for their own admissions decisions. Government works closely with the sector to ensure that admissions remain fair and the Universities UK / Guild HE Fair Admissions Code of Practice is adhered to when HE providers make admissions decisions.

Student visa applicants must demonstrate their English language ability in order to be granted a visa. The level required depends on the level of study, and the type of course provider.

My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for the Home Department has already confirmed that the government will continue implementing measures to reduce potential for abuse on the student visa route, including reviewing how the HE sector is currently assessing English language ability.