After reducing the post-study work visa for international students to 4months in 2012, the United Kingdom (UK) has decided to reinstate the two-year policy, starting the academic year 2020-2021. This is in line with the UK’s goal of 600,000 international students by 2030, which can double the education income in the UK to about £35 billion.
51,000 dropped to 15,388 international students
The community of students in the UK is composed of 42% from the international community, most of which are Indians. From a high number of 51,000 enrollees in 2010-2011, the population dropped half by 2011-2012, and it came to a low of 15,388 in 2017-2018 due to the reduction of the post-study work visa. But now as the news about the reinstatement of the two-year duration, the volume of Indian students are expected to go on upwards once again.
When Ireland announced a 24 month stay back option for intl PG in 2017 it led to increased interest from Indian students on our sites & subsequent increase in enrolments. We'll monitor how the UK PSW impacts student demand in coming weeks. DM for more info https://t.co/ENRnsBak99 pic.twitter.com/owJi5xObAm
— IDP Connect (@IDP_Connect) September 16, 2019
NISAU six-year campaign paid-off
Founder and Chairperson of the National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK( NISAU), Sanam Arora in a statement regarding the revamp on the post-study work visa,
“We are thankful that the two-year post-study work visa has been reinstated, This was a campaign that we pushed through for six years and express our deepest gratitude to Boris Johnson, Priti Patel, and Jo Johnson for making it possible”.
The two-year extension has filled the enthusiasm from the university sector. Alistair Jarvis, chief executive of Universities UK, representing 130 universities in the UK, called the news “very positive”.
“The two-year post study work visa puts back UK in the first choice for studies destination by international students. It will create better opportunities from the international student community to have a decent job in the UK and as well as employers to have access to competitive graduates.”
£26 billion contributions to the UK
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson stated about the education extension policy:
It is a testament to our world-leading universities that so many students from abroad want to study here. The important contribution international students make to our country and universities are both cultural and economic. Their presence benefits Britain, which is why we’ve increased the time these students can remain in the UK after their studies.
Previous data shows that international students contribute £26 billion to the UK and is expected to flourish even more than the new extension policy can attract more international students into the country. This sounds good for the UK’s economy. It provides a good income generation for the country and an ample workforce for those who intend to stay and work in the UK.
