A recent report claims that universities serve as a 'backdoor' facilitating 'unprecedented levels of migration,' calling for the elimination of postgraduate work visa schemes.
A study conducted by Policy Exchange revealed that the count of overseas students studying in the United Kingdom rose by 66 percent over a span of nine years.
The report cautions that some migrants are enrolling in 'lower-tier institutions' as a strategy to gain entry into the country, with plans to eventually establish permanent residency.
It also states that, at certain universities, international students might actually be displacing local ones.
The center-right policy institute advocates abolishing the graduate visa—which permits international students to remain and work in the country for up to two years following their studies—except for individuals enrolled in postgraduate research programs.
At present, the Government intends to shorten its duration solely to 18 months.
The article stated: "Student migration ought to focus on education rather than serve as an indirect path for long-term immigration or permanent residency."
'However, pursuing education in the UK has more frequently evolved into a route leading to extensive and long-term immigration.'
Zachary Marsh, who authored the report, stated: 'Universities in the UK should focus again on providing education rather than facilitating immigration.'
While overseas students can bring important financial advantages, the present system encourages immigration from individuals not genuinely interested in education—viewing student and post-graduate visas merely as a gateway to employment opportunities within the United Kingdom.
'The government and universities should take stronger action against individuals exploiting loopholes in the system.'
The document highlighted data indicating a rise in the number of overseas students enrolled at British universities, with numbers climbing from 442,225 during 2014/15 to 732,285 by 2023/24.
In 2023, 40 percent — or two out of every five individuals — who entered on student visas switched to another visa category within twelve months.
This represents an increase from only 3 percent in 2019, as stated in the report.
Of those who applied for asylum in 2024, 16,000 had initially entered the UK under a student visa—accounting for 15 percent of all asylum applications.
The report indicated that individuals opting for the graduate visa tend to enroll in brief postgraduate programs offered by lower-tier institutions.
Just 10 percent of students from world-renowned UK institutions within the global top 200 managed to secure a postgraduate work permit, whereas this figure rose to 30 percent for individuals graduating from schools rated 800th or lower worldwide.
The report stated that the median income for individuals holding this visa type was as low as £21,000, and merely 30 percent were employed in positions requiring a degree.
The report also noted that over the period from 2010 to 2023, the count of overseas undergraduate students at Oxford rose by 167, whereas local student numbers declined by 294.
Nevertheless, the university noted that the admission percentage for overseas students declined over the same period.
Following reforms implemented by the previous Conservative government in January 2024, most overseas students studying in the UK are now prohibited from being accompanied by family members.
However, the report stated that the modifications are not 'sufficient' or comprehensive enough.
In the report's introduction, author David Goodhart stated: 'The higher education system in the UK has effectively become an unregulated gateway for large-scale immigration that offers little benefit, lacks control, and does not serve temporary needs.'
A representative from Universities UK, an organization representing university vice-chancellors, stated: "On average, every UK resident gains £355 annually due to the presence of international students recruited by universities."
The influence that Britain exerts through drawing overseas students cannot be overstated.
To stay competitive, the UK must retain the Graduate Route.
'It’s a temporary visa with no pathway to permanent residency.'
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