Leicester gives warm welcome to international students following Home Office announcement | last update

The UK government has made an important decision regarding the future of international students studying in the country. The graduate route, which allows international students to stay in the UK after graduation for two years, will continue to be available to students at all UK universities.

This news was welcomed by University of Leicester President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Nishan Canagarajah. He highlighted the valuable contributions international students make to the university and the wider community. International students bring diversity, new perspectives and important skills to the educational environment.

Professor Canagarajah also noted the significant financial impact of international students, with their annual contribution amounting to £41 billion in the UK. This translates into an increase of around £560 per citizen in each parliamentary constituency. In the East Midlands alone, international students’ off-campus spending supports thousands of jobs.

The decision to retain the graduate route follows a review by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), which recommended that the route be maintained in its current form. The announcement coincided with the release of net migration data showing a 25% drop in the number of study visas between December 2023 and December 2024. This drop is attributed to changes in government policy, including the end of the dependent visa for international postgraduate students.

Overall, the UK government’s commitment to supporting international students through the graduate route is a positive development for the education sector and the wider economy. It ensures that international students can continue to contribute to the academic and cultural landscape of the UK while benefiting from the opportunities available in the country.