英-桑德兰大学-信息更新

DearPartner,

Yesterday the government published its response to a report from the UKs Migrant Advisory Committee on the Graduate Route Visa.

We’re pleased that the Graduate Route Visa will remain in place for the foreseeable future. A number of areas were recommended for review, when more detail on this becomes available, we will work with you as our trusted partners to implement any changes.

We’d like to share with you a statement from our Vice-Chancellor, Sir David Bell relating to the news.

“I welcome the Government’s decision today as it is based on the evidence provided by the Migration Advisory Committee on the success and integrity of the Graduate Visa route.

“At the same, I recognise that the higher education sector has more to do to address some issues within the current system. Equally, that must be done with care as the changes that the government has already introduced – such as the removal of the right of postgraduate international students to bring dependents with them and the rising costs of visas – has already had a significantly adverse impact on universities.

“Reversing the declining numbers of international students coming into the country must be a national priority if Britain is to retain its position as a global leader in higher education.

“Past growth in international student recruitment to the UK has delivered a boost of more than £60 billion to the economy, with £153million to Sunderland alone in academic year2021-22(the last year for which figures are available). On top of their visa fees, international students who find work and start businesses in the north-east cumulatively contribute millions of pounds to the local economy.

“I hope that today’s decision is an important step along the way as we ensure the north-east – and the UK more generally – retains the vital skills that international students have brought which benefit our towns and cities.”

If you have any questions, please get in touch with us byemail.

Best wishes,

International Office Team
University of Sunderland