Most people do not view international students as immigrants and do not want to see their numbers reduced, according to a new poll published today.
The results of a poll conducted by ComRes for Universities UK were released after The Times yesterday published findings from a leaked report which cast doubt on the Home Secretary’s claims that tens of thousands of international students did not return home after finishing their studies.
The ComRes survey of more than 2,000 British adults found 75% would like to see the same number or more international students in the UK. Of those who expressed a view, 81% agreed that international students have a positive impact on local economies and towns where they study.
Vice-Chancellor of De Montfort University Leicester (DMU), Professor Dominic Shellard, welcomed the UUK survey.
He said: “It’s becoming increasingly clear that while the country may have voted to leave the EU, that should in no way be treated as a mandate for the restrictions to international student recruitment outlined recently. The public expect that the Government will consider what it is in the country’s best interests in each aspect of negotiation with our international partners.
“International students and staff play a very significant role not just in the life of universities but in the success of this country and this poll shows that the public want our Government to recognise this.”
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Prof Shellard has launched a campaign called #loveinternational to celebrate the contribution made to academia and student life by international staff and students and to provide reassurance that the Government’s view is not shared by UK universities.
International students are one of the largest groups who come to the UK, making them a target for the Government, which has made it a manifesto pledge to reduce net migration.
The poll, based on the views of more than 2,000 British adults, found that:
· Of those that expressed a view, 75% say they would like to see the same number, or more, international students in the UK
· Of those who expressed a view, 71% say they would support a policy to help boost growth by increasing overseas students, with only 7% saying they would strongly oppose such a policy. 25% of British adults did not express an opinion on this issue
· 91% think that international students should be able to stay and work in the UK for a period of time after they have completed their study
· Just 25% of leave and 23% of remain voters said that they think of international students as immigrants
· Of those that expressed a view, 81% agree that international students have a positive impact on local economies and towns in which they study
· Around one in five British adults (19-23%) did not express an opinion on each of these issues
Research shows that overseas students at British universities support more than 170,000 jobs in local communities across the UK. International students are also a major UK export, currently worth over £10.7 billion to the UK economy.
In the East Midlands, EU students generated £143m for the regional economy and 1,341 jobs, according to UUK.
Nicola Dandridge, Chief Executive of Universities UK, said: “These findings are a clear indication that any new policies aimed at lowering net migration figures by reducing the number of overseas students will not address public concerns over immigration.
“International students come to the UK, are welcomed by British people, study for a period, and then the overwhelming majority go home after their studies.
“It is very clear that a majority of the public recognises that international students are valuable, temporary visitors that make an important economic and cultural contribution to the UK.
“While countries such as Australia, the USA and Canada have policies to grow the numbers of international students, the UK Government has said that it is considering policies to reduce numbers here.
“The negative economic impact of a reduction in international student numbers would be felt by local communities across the UK. International students support regional economies, create jobs, supply high level graduate skills, and ensure the sustainability of many courses at a regional level. Many international students return home having forged strong links in this country that provide long-term, ‘soft power’ and trade benefits for the UK.”
Posted on Friday 14 October 2016