International students could be deterred from studying in St Andrews by a major reform of the visa system designed to reduce migration, it has been claimed.
Proposals were announced last month by the Home Office for tougher entrance criteria for people seeking to come to Britain to study, limits on their right to work and an end to students from overseas staying on to look for jobs.
Two-thirds of migrants entering the UK every year arrive with student visas and according to the government 41% study below degree level.
However, St Andrews University Student Association director of representation Siena Parker said there were serious concerns about the planned changes, which are being consulted upon.
The university has the largest proportion of international students in Scotland, with around 30% of its student body coming from overseas. Ms Parker described the proposals as “worrying” and added, “The university has a very diverse community.The students’ association and its appeal can be found here.”We recruit from all over the world and this will inherently put students off coming here if they don’t have the opportunity to work for a year or two after graduation. We are handing over a massive gift to our competitors in other countries by making these changes. They will inevitably mean more international students will go elsewhere in Europe and the US.”
The proposals include introducing a tougher English language requirement, ensuring students who wish to extend their studies show evidence of academic progression and limiting students’ entitlement to work and their ability to bring dependents.
Ms Parker said, “Although our international student fees are high, making it so that students can’t work in a cafe or a bar, for example, after their studies or at the weekends means we are discriminating against people from difficult backgrounds who can’t support themselves.”
Restrictions on dependents discriminated against mature students and those with spouses and families, she said.
The association is surveying students before formulating a response to be sent to the Home Office. A notice appealing for contributions was posted on its website on Monday.
Ms Parker added, “We have had a lot of feedback already and there is a lot of serious concern amongst our international students this shows that this really is a big issue.
“We know that part of what makes St Andrews such a special place to live and to study is the diversity of our community, and our large body of international students from all over the world.
“We want to make sure that any changes to visa regulations will not affect this.”
Announcing the proposals, immigration minister Damian Green said, “I believe attracting talented students from abroad is vital to the UK but we must be more selective about who can come here and how long they can stay.
“People imagine students to be those who come here for a few years to study at university and then go home-that is not always the case. Too many students coming here to study below degree level have been coming here to live and work rather than studying.
“We need to stop this abuse.”
Image used from Wikimedia Commons.