Million Plus

MillionPlus, the Association for Modern Universities, has today (14 May) welcomed the Migration Advisory Committee’s clear recommendation that the graduate route should be retained in its current form.

Rachel Hewitt, Chief Executive of MillionPlus, said:

“I welcome the Migration Advisory Committee’s clear recommendation that the graduate route should be retained in its current form following the conclusion of its review.

“The report reaffirms the net positive contribution that international graduates bring to the UK, as the majority enter graduate-level jobs in similar proportions to home students and with little to no evidence of abuse in the system. Therefore, any further restrictions to the graduate route, beyond those recently introduced, and whose impact we are still waiting to assess, risks causing the UK significant economic self-harm, which would be felt in regions across the country.

“The report also rightly highlights the significant impact of the government’s decision to freeze domestic fees since their introduction; and that the continued under-funding of higher education means balancing the books for universities has become ever more challenging. If the government does take the decision to impose further restrictions, they must also address how the current funding model for higher education will be reformed, less they put this highly successful sector in serious financial peril.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

• For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Rachel Hewitt, Chief Executive on 07795645241 or email ceo@millionplus.ac.uk
• MillionPlus is the Association for Modern Universities in the UK, and the voice of 21st century higher education. We champion, promote and raise awareness of the essential role and impact of modern universities in the UK’s world-leading higher education sector. More information can be found at www.millionplus.ac.uk
• The Migration Accounts Committee report is available here
• What are modern universities? Modern universities are long established centres of higher education in their communities with roots that stretch back decades, if not centuries. Many gained university title following legislation agreed by parliament in 1992. They make up almost half of the UK university sector with over a million students studying at modern universities every year.
• Modern universities: facts and stats