Last week, the Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson set out the position of the Labour Government on international students. She made it clear that international students are welcome in the UK. We strongly welcome this announcement. International students contribute widely to society and to our communities during their time in the UK.
Our International Committee Convener, who takes up the role today, Professor James Miller, Principal University of the West of Scotland commented on this announcement:
“We are delighted to get such a clear, early and positive position on international students and post study visas from the new UK Government. International students are welcome in the UK and will have great experience in any one of Scotland’s universities. The Education Secretary’s speech last week was open, inclusive and showed a deep understanding of the broad benefits that international students bring to our campuses and communities across the UK. The job now, is to work together to ensure that message is heard loud and clear by prospective applicants in key countries.
“This major change in policy comes as I take on the role of Convener of Universities Scotland’s International Committee. The last year has shown just how significant universities’ success on the word stage is to our ability to deliver at home. Going forward, I am delighted to be able to work with Governments in Scotland and the UK, both of which understand the value of the mobility of talent and global partnerships. There are still significant challenges still facing universities but it’s fair to say that the Scottish sector goes into the new academic year with a greater sense of optimism.
“I pick up the baton of International Convener from Professor Nolan, who I would like to personally thank for her leadership, energy and collegiality in the role, through what has been an incredibly challenging and demanding period to navigate. Andrea has helped steer the creation of Scotland’s first international education strategy, engaged with the MAC review of the graduate route and has been a champion of a more integrated team Scotland approach on the international stage. I am eager to continue her great work.”