Former universities minister Jo Johnson has called on universities to be transparent about comparable entry offers for international students in the face of national media scrutiny, and to “take action” if there is evidence to the contrary.
While Johnson would not advocate for a Canadian-style cap on international students, recent visa changes that have already been made in the UK are tantamount to the same result.
Speaking at a FutureLearn webinar hosted by The PIE, Johnson was asked about his thoughts on the state of higher education in the country as it moves closer to a general election.
“The 600,000 [target] is now very much seen as an upper limit [by government], said Johnson, “a cap effectively on student numbers.
“All of the changes [banning dependants, stopping switches to skilled visa and increasing surcharges] are having a big effect. I think the sector needs to make a very clear case to the government that further changes should wait until we can see the full impact of the next round of recruitment.
“Political pressures around immigration lead to the government pulling levers prematurely to further constrain growth in student numbers when growth is itself now probably negative in certain key markets.”
Responding to the recent Sunday Times article that alleged universities were allowing international students into their institutions with lower grades than domestic students, Johnson said it was vital that the sector defends its position with a signed agreement via a ‘compact’ with the Office for Students.
“I think it is important that all institutions go on record as saying, ‘we have comparable offers, foundation year to foundation year, first year to first year, like for like comparisons that are comparable’.”
Many in the sector said the initial article “blurred the lines” between foundation and international year one.
Others say it is unfair that UK domestic students are not eligible for the International Y1 that replaces the first year of a bachelors degree with English language skill support and an introduction to British-style university curricula.
“[We need to] set to rest the concern that domestic students are going to be displaced by international students with lower rates overseas, easier offers. It isn’t the case at the moment to the vast extent, and where there is evidence of that, the sector needs to take action,” Johnson said.
The former minister has also been advocating for a mandatory application fee for all students applying to the UK, but is now reassessing his previous calls for students to show greater financial commitment with higher deposits.
“I do think introducing an application fee, just as we have for domestic students, would certainly help reduce the sheer volume that many university admissions officers are having to deal with.
“I have been advocating that the system should put in place measures to deal with rising dropout rates of international students over the last three years, including higher deposits and higher maintenance requirements put into an escrow account as they do in Canada.
“[But now] I think we need to consider the full impact of the changes that have already been made because I sense the removal of the right to switch to a work visa is actually having a very big impact on dropout rates.”
Francis Glover, deputy director international at De Montfort University, spoke to The PIE about the financial challenges students face that are often more complex than charging for application, saying “financial commitment isn’t the guarantee it once was”.
“Even after paying [full tuition fee deposits], applicants still have many hurdles to face, such as institutional compliance processes, obtaining visas and the complexities associated with relocating, often to very tight deadlines.”
Johnson stopped short of following the Canadian example of introducing a cap on international student numbers saying “I don’t think we should introduce a cap on domestic or international students.
“They provide enormous benefits to us as a country and we offer a great education to students around the world.”
“Paying a higher deposit would demonstrate their dedication”
Sadiq Basha, founder and CEO of major UK student recruitment agency Edvoy, also recently spoke to The PIE, saying, “I agree that an increased deposit would decrease dropout rate of students.
“Only those students most committed to their studies would continue the application process. Paying a higher deposit would demonstrate their dedication.
“I am less enthusiastic about the idea of introducing an application fee. We are already seeing the impact of the visa changes around dependencies, particularly from South Asia, MENA, and African students. An application fee would put the desirability of the UK as a study destination.”
As chairman of global digital learning platform FutureLearn, Johnson also identified “room to grow” in online learning as medium of delivery that addresses the “carbon challenge”, the “immigration challenge” and the “cost challenge” that prevents access to higher education.
He described the “moment” for higher education was coming at a political level and the debate was moving up the hierarchy of government priorities.
