The likelihood of international students applying to UK universities is lower because the Brexit outcome given them a feeling that they are not welcome. According to research reports, it has been found that only a small percentage of students are keen to choose the UK for pursuing higher studies, especially British education post-Brexit due to the amendment in the immigration-based policies which have been toughened for foreigners.
British Education and EU Referendum
- During recent years, the research reports as released by UK’s Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) indicate a fall in the number of student applications to UK universities.
- Data reports suggest that there was a 1% decline in the count of non-EU students in 2015-16 reports when compared to the past year records.
- The most significant drop was witnessed from Indian students, which amounted to 44% since the year 2011-12.
- There is growing anticipation that Brexit will result in lesser students choosing the UK for achieving higher degrees. This may be attributed to the instability within the political spheres.
Countries such as Canada, Germany, Australia and the US are increasingly being preferred over Britain as studying destinations due to the UK exiting the European Union. The reason being cited is that the students are unsure about their ability to secure employment in the UK-based organizations.
The British education centers are making efforts to increase their student base in this era of uncertainty. Under these circumstances, there is need to convey the message that the UK is welcoming and supportive towards the international students.
Furthermore, the students’ concerns must be addressed if the UK universities are seeking to increase their number of student-based applicants in this revised scenario. The universities may find it more difficult to accomplish this goal as a result of the recruitment market being toughened for the students.
In the following details, we have listed few suggestions that can be considered by the UK government for attracting students to attend their academic schools.
- The primary reason for students not looking to attain a UK degree is the fact that they are not able to work in UK and garner experience after they have completed their studies. By the changes in immigration laws post the EU referendum, the applicants have to take a transfer from the Tier IV to Tier II where the requisites include getting sponsorship from the employer along with a job offer of a salary of minimum £20,800 per year. As a result of this ruling, Indian-based students are compelled to return to India without getting any experience in the UK-based companies.
- Under the 5-year graduate-based entrepreneur program, only a handful of the applicants is retained by the UK market. The good thing about this plan is that individuals are given an opportunity to introduce their products to the markets in the UK. Nevertheless, if the UK government is seeking to increase their revenue from international students coming to British education institutions, they need to address the students’ concerns about employment prospects in various streams.
- There is also talk of a new law being introduced which entitles the candidates to work for two years in the UK for helping them compete in the global markets. The passing of this law can also result in more students selecting the UK for advanced courses.
- It may also be noted that foreign-based candidates are viewed as immigrants under the new immigration regime. The government has to stop counting international student applicants as immigrants for enjoying a higher share of the global education market. Instead, the aspirants should be given work visas, so they gain some expertise in UK-based markets.
Conclusion
In the wake of Brexit, it has also been found that attaining educational degrees from UK-based colleges could be less expensive due to the weakening of the pound as a result of this referendum. This can help in improving the rate of admissions where British education is concerned.