Opinion: Potential Impact of Limiting VISAs for Dependents of International Taught Students at UK HEIs
New immigration restrictions will prevent foreign postgraduate students enrolled in non-research programs from bringing their families to the UK. The decision came just two days before official statistics revealed a record-breaking 606,000 net legal migrants in 2022. In the previous year, dependents of foreign students received 135,788 visas, a substantial increase of almost nine times compared to the figures from 2019. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak informed ministers that this change, which will take effect in January 2024, will contribute significantly to reducing migration levels, as stated by No 10.
However, the precise impact on official migration levels remains uncertain, as individuals who come to the UK for less than a year, including students and their family members, are not included in the count. Whilst the Government is convinced it will bring numbers down, the impact on the higher education sector could also be multi-faceted.
Here, Elliot Simmonds, who leads on our work in the education sector, breaks down the impacts of banning international students from bringing dependents in more detail, focusing on university finances, student population diversity and origin, the international perception of the UK, and the impact on students themselves.
Impact on University Finances: • Decreased international student enrolments: Banning dependents could lead to a decline in the number of international students choosing to study in the UK. This decline would result in reduced tuition fee revenue for universities, as international students typically pay higher fees compared to domestic students.
• Financial strain on academic programs: With fewer international students, universities may experience a decrease in funding available for various academic programs, research initiatives, and scholarships. This could hinder the overall financial health of the institutions and impact the quality of education provided. In the end – as has already been happening this week – this may increase calls for an increase in home-student tuition fees.
Impact on Student Population Diversity and Origin: • Reduced cultural and ethnic diversity: International students contribute significantly to the cultural diversity of UK universities, bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to the academic environment. Banning dependents may result in a decline in the diversity of the student body, potentially impacting the overall campus environment and cross-cultural learning opportunities.
• Changes in the origin of international students: The ban on dependents could affect the origin of international students studying in the UK. Some students may choose to study in countries that allow them to bring their families, leading to a shift in the countries from which international students arrive. This could impact the UK’s ability to attract students from a wide range of countries and cultures. Speculatively, this could result in a long-term effect on UK soft-power as future senior businesses and political figures from across the world have reduced ties to UK HE and the UK more broadly as a result. As per the 2022 HEPI Soft-Power Index the UK hosted the second largest number of foreign leaders for their education (55), behind the US.
Impact on International Perception of the UK: • Attractiveness as a study destination: Banning dependents may make the UK less appealing as a study destination for international students who value the opportunity to bring their families. It could potentially reduce the UK’s competitiveness in the global education market – at a time when the 2023 International Higher Education Forum (IHEF), organised by Universities UK International, discussed a shift towards more local providers, particularly in East Asia. The conference was urged “to fiercely protect UK education’s role as a bridge rather than another wedge in the political divide” – this most recent announcement feels more akin to pulling up the drawbridge than re-building post-COVID.
• Reputation and global connections: International students play a vital role in building international networks and connections for UK universities. Banning dependents may have negative implications for the reputation and standing of UK universities on the global stage, potentially affecting partnerships, collaborations, and future opportunities. As Universities such as Bradford, for instance, seek to become national and international hubs (AI in their case) does this limit access to international talent and support?
Impact on Students Themselves: • Emotional and social support: Bringing dependents, such as family members, can provide emotional and social support to international students. Banning dependents could limit the support structures available to students, potentially impacting their well-being, mental health, and adjustment to a new country and academic environment.
• Integration and sense of belonging: Having families nearby can facilitate the integration of international students into the local community and foster a sense of belonging. The ban on dependents may make it more challenging for students to connect with the local community and other students, potentially affecting their overall experience and academic performance.
What could universities and support organisations, such as accommodation providers, do to help mitigate the impact?
It’s difficult to say and will depend on the exact position the institution is coming from, but here are some possible actions they could consider:
Enhanced student support services: Universities can strengthen their support services specifically tailored to international students. This includes providing comprehensive orientation programs, counselling services, and dedicated support staff who can assist students in navigating the challenges of studying abroad without their dependents. From our own on-going research and wider discussions in the market, we know that housing and housing availability and quality are key areas for support.
Community-building initiatives: Universities can organise community-building initiatives aimed at fostering a sense of belonging and social integration for international students. This could include organising events, cultural celebrations, and networking opportunities that encourage interaction between international students and the local / student community.
Peer support networks: Establishing or investing in peer support networks or mentorship programs could be beneficial for international students. Connecting incoming international students with current students who have experienced similar situations can provide valuable guidance, support, and a sense of community. Many universities already have active and progressive international societies so there is not, necessarily, a need to re-invent the wheel here.
Academic and career guidance: Universities can provide enhanced academic and career guidance services specifically tailored to the needs of international students. This includes assistance with course selection, language support, and career planning to help them navigate their academic journey and improve their future employment prospects. This also goes hand in hand with a fit-for-purpose advancement and alumni relations function, and previous research with a host of HEIs and their alumni suggests a positive experience in the ‘early years’ of an alumni relationship (which can often focus on careers and employability) can lead to improved outcomes for later asks – such as donations, talks and student interaction, and an overall sense of connectedness to the alma mater.
Collaboration with international organisations: Universities can collaborate with international organisations, embassies, and educational agencies to strengthen their international partnerships and promote the benefits of studying in the UK despite the restrictions on dependents. This can help maintain and improve the perception of the UK as an attractive study destination.
Developing strong(er) alumni and advancement structures: institutions are increasingly investing in Advancement and alumni relations, with benefits being longer term and more effective interaction with previous students, including international students, and the long-term support (financial, pastoral, volunteering) support that that can bring.
