On Wednesday 14th May, the All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Students hosted a reception in Parliament to mark the launch of the Russell Group Students’ Unions International Students Report, produced by in collaboration with UKCISA.
The report draws on survey responses from almost 5,000 international students across Russell Group universities, complemented by insights from a series of in-depth focus groups. The report is one of the largest student-led pieces of research into the international student experience in the UK.
The event, attended by MPs, Peers, student leaders, and higher education stakeholders, underscored the significant contributions international students make to the UK’s economy and academic landscape. At the same time, it brought attention to key challenges including visa costs, financial pressures, mental health concerns, and restrictions on work opportunities – issues that demand urgent reform to maintain the UK’s position as a top study destination.
The discussion marked a pivotal moment in the UK’s approach to international student policy. With the recent Immigration White Paper, policymakers were urged to engage constructively with the recommendations to safeguard the UK’s reputation as a leading global study destination.
For full details of the report, visit: https://russellgroupstudentsunions.org/international-students-research.