Immigration clampdown seen to be hurting universities

International students are turning away from the UK because of Prime Minister David Cameron’s efforts to curb migration, university and business leaders say, damaging the economy and raising the risk that some courses may close, writes Hannah Murphy for Bloomberg.

With the Conservative government renewing a pledge to cut net migration below 100,000 a year from levels of over three times that, students from outside the European Union face tougher visa requirements and increased barriers to entering Britain’s jobs market after their studies. The government has no control over immigration from the EU.

International students in London alone add a net benefit of £2.3 billion (US$3.5 billion) a year to the economy through tuition fees and spending, data from business group London First show. In July, Business Secretary Sajid Javid called for those studying in Britain to lose the right to stay once they’ve finished their courses. The approach contrasts with that of Canada or Australia, where post-study routes to work are part of the offer to students, according to Maddalaine Ansell, chief executive of the University Alliance group of 18 colleges.
Full report on the Bloomberg site