Student visa cut will hurt sector

Posted by: Robert Cotton | Last Updated: 26.07.2011

Universities will be "adversely and unduly" affected by planned changes to the student visa system, according to a Westminster committee.

The UK Government plans to reduce immigration by restricting visas for foreign students. The cross-party Scottish Affairs Committee launched an inquiry into whether the measures would deter "genuine, high-calibre" students from applying to study in Scotland, which would damage higher education and the wider economy.

A report based on the inquiry's findings has been published. It said Scottish circumstances were not adequately taken into account when proposals, that will apply across the UK, were drawn up.

The report said:

"These proposals will have a disproportionate effect in Scotland, both because of the disproportionate size of the sector in Scotland and as they are primarily designed to address a problem which is largely insignificant in Scotland.

"In doing so, these proposals risk compromising and diminishing not only the high standard of education provided by higher education institutions in Scotland but also threaten the valuable contribution of the international students who study at these institutions, to Scottish society."

The report also states that proposals could deter international students from applying to study in Scotland.

Committee chairman Ian Davidson said:

"The university and higher education sector contributes nearly £0.5 billion in export income to Scotland. The sector is extremely important to us, with many institutions punching above their weight internationally. And the contribution of international students to the Scottish economy must not be underestimated.

"The detrimental impact of the Government's proposals is therefore very worrying. Evidence from Scottish universities was clear: they will be adversely and unduly affected by these changes. This is particularly threatening for them at a time of great financial pressure.

"We accept the need to control immigration but believe the Government should be more focused in its approach. We therefore believe it must take action to address the concerns we have raised in our report. And we will continue to monitor these issues closely."

© Press Association