You may be aware that the UK Government has issued what is called a ‘White Paper’ on immigration – a set of proposals for policy changes. At this stage, these are only proposals and nothing is changing at the moment – but we wanted to keep you fully informed.
Following further debate and parliamentary decisions, this may result in stricter rules in future around the length of time international students can stay in the UK after their studies, changes to visa requirements and the introduction of a ‘levy’ or charge on universities for international students.
As a world-leading University with a strong international reputation, we are proud to attract the brightest minds from home and across the globe. Our international students and staff contribute greatly to the learning experience for all our students, as well as providing significant benefits to the UK and to our local communities. You are here because you deserve to be here – regardless of where you come from.
Changes to visa requirements have the potential to cause major implications for many of our future students and colleagues, at a time when the higher education sector’s finances are facing challenging circumstances. We will work through these issues as they arise. Rest assured, throughout these debates we will be giving our views clearly and directly that a global institution must represent the global community in its staff and student body, and that anything which may jeopardise that must be avoided.
Put simply, the UK and the University of Edinburgh must remain a welcoming space for all nationalities, as part of a community driven only by excellence and curiosity.
We are following developments on this closely and will continue to contribute to sector-wide discussions to explore what further action can be taken in the interests of our international communities. We’ll let you know more when we can.
You might also be interested in Universities Scotland’s statement, which we fully support:
UK Government immigration white paper; impact on Scotland’s universities — Universities Scotland
Professor Colm Harmon, Vice-Principal Students