The United Kingdom has long been a favored destination for international students, particularly from India. Over the past five years, the number of Indian students opting to study in the UK has seen a significant surge, with applications quadrupling during this period. In the academic year 2021-22, approximately 119,000 Indian students were pursuing their education in the UK, marking a 49% increase from the previous year. This growth can be attributed to the allure of high-quality education at world-renowned universities, promising career prospects, and the opportunity to immerse in a diverse and inclusive culture with a substantial Indian diaspora.
The Appeal of the Graduate Route Visa
One of the key drivers behind the increasing number of Indian students choosing the UK is the Graduate Route Visa. This visa allows international students to remain in the UK for at least two years after completing their course, providing them with the opportunity to gain work experience and explore career opportunities in the country. To date, over 65,000 Indian students have been granted a Graduate Visa, reflecting its popularity and the benefits it offers.
Impact of New Guidelines
However, recent policy changes have introduced new challenges for international students. In May 2023, the UK government announced that, starting from January 2024, the partners and children of international students enrolled in courses other than a PhD or postgraduate research program will no longer be permitted to apply to live in the UK. This policy change does not affect undergraduate students but could impact those pursuing other degrees.
Further, in December 2023, additional measures were announced, set to take effect in Spring 2024. These include a rise in the skilled salary threshold for obtaining a skilled worker visa post-graduation, now set at a minimum salary of £38,700. The Graduate Route Visa is also under review to ensure that it continues to serve its purpose and that international graduates secure employment commensurate with their education level.
Mutual Benefits of Indian Students in the UK
Despite these changes, Indian students continue to be welcomed by UK universities. They bring invaluable diversity to classrooms, contribute global perspectives to research and innovation, and enrich British society culturally and socially. The benefits are mutual, as evidenced by the International Graduate Outcomes survey. According to the survey, 80% of Indian graduates reported that their UK degree played a crucial role in securing a good job, with a third highlighting that their UK qualification was the most important factor for their employer.
Moreover, the survey revealed that 63% of respondents returned to India to work after graduation, 16% stayed in the UK, and over a fifth found employment elsewhere in the world. This data underscores the global opportunities that a UK degree can unlock.
Success Stories: Aditi Chauhan
Aditi Chauhan, the goalkeeper for the Indian national football team, exemplifies the global opportunities provided by a UK education. While pursuing her Master’s degree in Sport Management at Loughborough University, Aditi was able to combine academic study with her elite sporting career. She joined the West Ham Women’s football team in London, becoming the first Indian player to appear in the FA Women’s Premier League. After graduating, Aditi launched the She Kicks Football Academy in India through her Aditi Chauhan Foundation, promoting girls’ participation in football.
Conclusion
While recent policy changes may seem daunting, they do not diminish the significant benefits of studying in the UK for Indian students. UK universities remain committed to welcoming Indian students at all levels, recognizing the immense value they bring. These measures aim to ensure that graduates find employment that aligns with their education and competencies, thereby enhancing the global opportunities that a UK degree offers.
(The author, Nick Jennings, is the Vice-Chancellor and President of Loughborough University, UK.)
