The UK has announced reassuring measures for overseas students. This announcement comes as a beacon of hope for many, particularly those enrolling in courses starting September 2024.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, speaking at the Embassy Education Conference in London, emphasized the UK's commitment to supporting international students. "These people (international students) are brave.
They move to a new culture, far away from their homes and their families. They take a leap of faith, hoping to develop new skills and chase new horizons. And I am enormously proud that so many want to take that leap here in the UK. And we will do everything we can to help them succeed," she stated.
Phillipson further highlighted the graduate visa route, which allows students to remain in the UK for two years post-graduation, or three years for those completing PhDs. This initiative is designed to enable graduates to work, live, and contribute to UK society.
Echoing these sentiments, Edward Hobart, the UK Ambassador to the UAE, underscored the significance of international students to the UK's educational landscape.
"International students from the UAE make significant contributions to the UK by bringing their skills, experience, and diverse backgrounds to the country. For students here considering studying in the UK and those already preparing for the academic year ahead, this is a wonderful opportunity for those eager to continue their studies and then begin their professional journey in the UK," he remarked in a statement to Khaleej Times.
The data supports this positive outlook. The UK's Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) received 3,690 applications from UAE students by January 31 for undergraduate courses commencing in September 2024. This surge in applications signifies growing interest and trust in the UK’s educational offerings.
Hobart also highlighted the Labour government’s reaffirmed commitment to the graduate visa route. "International students are warmly welcomed and also have the option to stay and work, or seek employment, for two years after graduation under our graduate visa route. The reaffirmed commitment to the graduate visa route from the new Labour government is a clear reassurance and indication of UK’s dedication to world-class education and fostering diverse and inclusive communities, where international students are not just welcomed, but valued and integral to our society," he added.
This policy is set to further enhance the UK’s appeal as a nurturing ground for international talent, ensuring that students not only receive top-tier education but also ample opportunities to integrate into the professional sphere post-graduation.
