MillionPlus comments on Universities UK international students poll

MillionPlus, the Association for Modern Universities, has today welcomed the findings of a poll commissioned by Universities UK that shows that the British public support international students coming to the UK to study, with 75% of respondents saying they would like to see the same number, or more.

The poll, based on the views of over 2,000 British adults, was undertaken by ComRes and also revealed that the overwhelming majority of the British public (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.

Professor Dave Phoenix, Chair of MillionPlus and Vice-Chancellor of London South Bank University, said:

“This is further confirmation that the Government's proposals to create a two tier visa system for international students in order to reduce migration numbers is ill-judged. International students enhance our universities socially, culturally and economically and bring long-term benefits to the UK by underpinning relationships with other countries.

“The Prime Minister should accept that the public is right and ensure that these proposals are withdrawn by the Home Office before they cause further damage to the UK's global reputation and market in higher education.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. MillionPlus is the Association for Modern Universities. More information can be found at www.millionplus.ac.uk
2. Modern universities: key facts
3. ComRes interviewed 2,018 British adults aged 18+ online between the 28th and 29th September 2016. Data are weighted by age, gender, socio-economic grade and region to be representative of all GB adults aged 18+. Full data tables will also be available at www.comresglobal.com
4. For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Dan Blows on 020 7717 1658 or email press@millionplus.ac.uk