Hongkongers set to benefit as UK universities push for two-year visa for international students
Number of those from city studying in Britain up recently amid fears country could face brain drain over Brexit
British universities lobbying their officials to reinstate a two-year visa for international students to stay on and work after graduation there have made a strong case likely to win backing, a former UK government adviser has said.
University of Essex vice-chancellor Professor Anthony Forster, who visited Hong Kong two weeks ago with university chancellor and Britain’s speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow, said: “I’m optimistic the government will recognise the strength of the case.
“In terms of the economic case, [there is the] benefit that our companies get by having international students working within them, and how attractive [the plan] will be for students thinking which country they might want to study abroad in.”
Forster was referring to the call by Universities UK – the sector’s umbrella advocacy body that counts 137 universities as members – to ensure Britain continues to retain its appeal for foreign students.
Forster was a member of an advisory committee on student matters for the Higher Education Funding Council for England before the council was replaced this year by the UK Research and Innovation and Office for Students.