25 September 2015 
Matt Sisson, Projects and Membership Manager
Over a third of international students who enquire but then don’t choose to study in the UK are put off by the UK’s post-study working rules, a recent survey shows. The results of the 2015 International Student Survey, produced by Hobsons, suggest that the loosening of immigration rules could have a big impact on the recruitment of international students to UK universities. As well as mapping out the decisions and attitudes of students relating to where they choose to study, the survey also has insight into areas such as how frequently students wish to be contacted by prospective institutions. The Times Higher covers the story.
It is fortunate for UK HEIs then that, as far as the political climate for international students is concerned, “there are a few reasons why we might be more optimistic in the medium term”, writes Andy Westwood in an article on the Wonkhe website. He believes that there are signs that Home Secretary Theresa May is increasingly alone in her strong anti-immigration stance, particularly in relation to international students, and that there is “mounting political pressure from powerful colleagues inside the Conservative Party” for a softening of the rhetoric and the rules.
