Written question asked by Andrew Snowden (Conservative) on Friday, 29 August 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 2 September 2025. It was answered by Kanishka Narayan (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 September 2025 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Overseas Students: Fees and Charges

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of a levy on international student fees on UK university-led Research and Development capacity.

Answer: In the Immigration White Paper, the government committed to exploring a levy on international student fees. At this stage, no decisions have been taken on the size or implementation of any proposed levy by DfE. As such, DSIT has not made any formal assessment on the impact of university led R&D. If implemented, the levy would ensure that revenue from international students is more widely shared, and their contributions felt throughout our communities. We are committed to engaging the sector on the design of any potential levy and want to understand specific concerns providers have as early as possible.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 73254
Session: 2024-26
Related items: Restoring Control over the Immigration System
Monday, 12 May 2025
Command papers
House of Commons
House of Lords
Subjects: Fees and charges Overseas students Research Taxation
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk