Universities in new dilemma

Equally important, however, is the Government’s need to clamp down on those foreign students who are using “bogus colleges” to gain the necessary paperwork to apply for citizenship of this country. This remains a priority.

However, as policies evolve, Ministers must recognise that there is a world of difference between the qualifications gleaned from such colleges, and the degrees that can be obtained from globally-renowned universities.

This is particularly pertinent with regard to the English tests that applicants must pass – with the criteria now so strict that they exceed the guidelines for young people aspiring to join an international foundation year before embarking upon their degree studies.

Unless this is changed, it could leave Yorkshire universities more than £15m out of pocket in these financially-challenging times; a sum that could impact upon the quality of teaching afforded to students from Britain.

This is the dilemma facing the Government. Illegal immigration remains a priority but so, too, is the future funding of the country’s universities.

What needs to happen is two-fold. The Immigration Service, and others, need to devote more resources to identifying those individuals, with little command of English or other key skills, who are trying to flout existing entry procedures for their own gain.

Secondly, the authorities need to be far more pro-active in “weeding out” those foreign students who are either out-of-work after graduating – or breach the terms of their visa.

Academia remains an effective way for overseas students to enhance their knowledge and then put these skills to the test in either the UK or their homeland. Indeed, universities depend upon this income stream and the insights provided by pupils from overseas. However, higher education must never be a means to exploit this country’s necessary rules on immigration.