Introduction:
Despite universities receiving millions of pounds in foreign student fees, their academic rankings have plummeted, contradicting government claims that this would attract “global talent.” The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) identified the top ten universities with the largest increase in international student numbers between 2018 and 2022. However, half of these universities have seen a decline in their rankings.
Low-wage Roles:
In 2019, Prime Minister Boris Johnson reintroduced a two-year post-study work visa. The number of foreign students rose from 496,110 in 2018/19 to 679,970 in 2021/22. The government press release stated that this initiative would attract the best global talent and encourage breakthroughs in science, technology, and research. However, the MAC has warned that the graduate route may actually be fueling low-wage migration rather than attracting high-skilled professionals.
University of Hertfordshire:
During the period from 2018 to 2022, the University of Hertfordshire witnessed a remarkable 246% rise in international students, an increase of 8,800 individuals. The majority of these students came from outside of Europe, with non-EU students contributing nearly £109 million of the total £113 million received from international students. Despite this significant increase in income, the university’s ranking dropped from 74th in 2020 to 80th in 2022. The current ranking stands at 83rd. Moreover, the Vice-Chancellor Quintin McKellar received an £8,000 salary increase, bringing his total remuneration package to £360,000.
University of Greenwich:
The University of Greenwich experienced a 172% surge in foreign students over four years, earning nearly £99 million in fees from them in 2021/22, compared to £44 million in 2018/19. However, the university’s ranking fell from 83rd in 2020 to 92nd in 2022, and further dropped to 110th this year. Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane Harrington’s remuneration package increased from £246,000 in 2018/19 to £309,000 in 2021/22.
University of Glasgow:
Although the University of Glasgow attracted 7,300 more international students, its ranking declined from 18th in 2020 to 26th this year. Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli’s salary also increased by £35,000 to £383,000 in 2021/22.
University of East London:
The University of East London experienced a 283% rise in foreign students over four years. In 2021/22, the university earned over £55 million in fees from these students, compared to just under £18 million in 2018/19. Despite this, the university’s ranking dropped from 116th in 2020 to 127th in 2022, and it currently sits at 123rd. Vice-Chancellor Professor Amanda Broderick’s remuneration package increased to £303,000 in 2021/22, up from £252,000 in 2018/19.
University of the West of England, Bristol:
Over the course of four years, the University of the West of England, Bristol, saw a 117% increase in foreign students, generating over £79 million in fees from them in 2021/22, compared to £36 million in 2018/19. Despite this growth, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Steve West’s remuneration package decreased from £334,000 in 2018/19 to £296,000 in 2021/22. However, the university’s ranking fell from 55th in both 2020 and 2022 to 67th this year.
Recruitment Agencies and Rankings:
Recruitment agencies play a significant role in finding international candidates for universities. The University of Greenwich paid agencies over £28.7 million in 2022-23, compared to £3.3 million in 2017-18, indicating a substantial increase in reliance on these agencies. Additionally, Leeds Beckett and Manchester Metropolitan University also increased their spending on recruitment agencies in recent years. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of the system in attracting top global talent.
Conclusion:
Contrary to government claims, universities that have profited from foreign student fees have seen their rankings decline. This suggests that the system of attracting international students may not be successful in attracting high-skilled individuals but instead may be fueling low-wage migration. The government is actively reviewing the post-study work visa scheme, aiming to make improvements and ensure that the immigration system benefits the UK effectively.