Written question asked by Lord Johnson of Marylebone (Conservative) on Wednesday, 4 June 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 18 June 2025. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Wednesday, 18 June 2025 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Overseas Students: Fees and Charges

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the White Paper Restoring control over the immigration system, published on 12 May, what assessment they have made of the impact of the levy on international student fees on the financial sustainability of the higher education sector.

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.

The White Paper includes the commitment to explore the introduction of a levy on higher education (HE) provider income from international students. We will set out further details in due course, including setting out the way in which proceeds from the levy would be reinvested into our HE and skills system.

The business models of a significant number of providers will need to change in the near future to ensure financial sustainability. All providers must continue to adapt to uncertainties and financial risks. We will publish our plans for reform of the HE system in the summer as part of the Post-16 Skills White Paper.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL8116
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 Higher education Overseas students
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Overseas Students: Fees and Charges

Secondary information

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