A significantly higher proportion of EU-born international students are employed in the UK compared to non-EU-born students, data has suggested.

The UK has outlined plans to cement its place as a STEM superpower, but more needs to be done to strengthen links to benefit local communities, create jobs and amplify the global reach of UK research.

There is a “weakening consensus” on the benefits of international students among British politicians, Jo Johnson warned at an IHEC launch event.

Raising awareness among UK employers of the graduate route remains key if the initiative will succeed, but other challenges exist.

Over a quarter of employers are not actually aware of the UK’s Graduate Route Visa allowing international students to work sponsor free for up to two years, according to a new policy note from HEPI. 

As the number of dependants of international students in the UK has increased five-fold in one year, there are reports that the home secretary will be analysing this trend as part of an immigration review.

Of the world leaders who were educated overseas, more studied in the US than in any other country, according to the Higher Education Policy Institute’s Soft-Power Index. 

Edward Peck, vice-chancellor and president of Nottingham Trent University, has been appointed to the new role of student support champion.