Named as a particular focus for risk-based restrictions were Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nigeria – the last only a few years ago named a priority for growth in the UK International Education Strategy. But making the UK less attractive for the world’s most talented young people – and imperilling UK universities in the process – is not the way to go about it. If a sharp reduction in demand from international students is triggered when the White Paper is published next week, it will immediately hit the key September intake to degree courses. ADVERTISEMENTMany in the sector had hoped that the positive rhetoric about international students from the current government and education secretary would result in a relaxing of restrictions. James Pitman is chair of Independent Higher Education, an advisor to the All Party Parliamentary Group for International Students and managing director (UK and Europe) for Study Group.
