Written question asked by James McMurdock (Independent (affiliation)) on Monday, 3 November 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 5 November 2025. It was answered by Josh MacAlister (Labour) on Wednesday, 12 November 2025 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Overseas Students: Admissions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of financial pressures on universities on their international recruitment practices.

Answer

The government has been clear that we welcome international students who meet the requirements to study in the UK and positively impact our higher education (HE) sector. However, we will not tolerate abuse of the student visa system in any way and measures set out in the Immigration white paper in May, set out a balanced approach, helping the government achieve our manifesto commitment on reducing net migration and whilst maintaining the UK’s global competitiveness.

The Office for Students (OfS) has identified reliance on international student fee income as a risk to HE providers’ sustainability. It has been clear that providers will need to change their business models to protect their financial health as a response to this risk and others.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 87656
Session: 2024-26
Related items: Restoring Control over the Immigration System
Monday, 12 May 2025
Command papers
House of Commons
House of Lords; Overseas Students: Admissions
Friday, 21 November 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Admissions Finance Overseas students Universities
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Overseas Students: Admissions

Secondary information

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