Courses ‘at risk from visas action’

An alliance of vice chancellors from 16 universities is urging Home Secretary Theresa May to abandon proposals to reduce immigration by restricting visas issued to foreign students and raising language requirements.

In a letter to the Observer, the vice-chancellors express their “profound concern” at the proposals, arguing they would have a devastating effect on universities’ incomes and ability to run the best courses for British, as well as overseas students.

They said: “International students coming to universities contribute over £5bn each year to the UK economy through tuition fees and off-campus expenditure.

“Reductions in student numbers will lead to reductions in income and jobs.

“Without international students, many university courses, particularly science and engineering courses, may no longer be viable.

“International students bring extensive cultural and political benefits to the UK...

“At a time of financial austerity, this issue is of immeasurable importance to the UK.”