Global international educators have congratulated the UK sector for helping reintroduce post-study work rights, but note the UK is now on a level playing field in terms of PSW settings; successful job outcomes are the ultimate influencer.
The UK education sector is elated that post-study work rights are set to be offered to international students for two years post-graduation, with enrolments from the 2020/21 academic year set to benefit from this new immigration rule.
The Scottish government has called for a new PSW offer for international students, after a review it commissioned found the UK's provision compares poorly to other nations.
UK home secretary Sajid Javid has called for post-study work restrictions on international students to be lifted, arguing that the six-month limit undermines Britain’s universities and harms the country’s search for global talent.
The UK economy may have lost out on billions of pounds in export earnings from international students due to immigration rule changes made in 2012, according to research by UUK, which also recently called for a new student visa.
Gyimah said he "welcomes UUK post-study work visa proposal", and that the forthcoming MAC report "offers us an opportunity to ensure our policy on student migration recognises the contribution that overseas students make".
Any blow to the UK’s ability to attract top academic talent could potentially have “huge” consequences, a CGHE research paper warned.
Finland is implementing an EU directive which will double the length of its residence permits for students and researchers from outside the EU, in a bid to encourage them to work in the country.
