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 Josh MacAlister (Labour) on Friday, 12 September 2025 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Overseas Students: Fees and Charges

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department plans to ringfence revenue generated from any proposed levy on international student fees for reinvestment into the skills system.

Answer

The immigration white paper sets out a series of measures that will achieve a reduction in net migration, while maintaining the UK’s globally competitive offer to international students and making a significant contribution to growth by boosting our skills base.

This includes the commitment to explore the introduction of a levy on higher education (HE) provider income from international students, with proceeds to be reinvested in the domestic HE and skills system. We will set out more details around the levy in the Autumn Budget.

HE providers are independent from government and, as such, are responsible for making financial decisions that support their long-term sustainability.

The government will set out its plans for HE reform soon, as part of the Post-16 Skills White Paper, and will work with the sector and the Office for Students to deliver the change that the country needs.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 73251
Session: 2024-26
Related items: Restoring Control over the Immigration System
Monday, 12 May 2025
Command papers
House of Commons
House of Lords
Grouped for answer: Yes
Subjects: Fees and charges Overseas students
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Overseas Students: Fees and Charges

Secondary information

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