The UK is offering comforting news for international students, particularly those arriving in September 2024, confirming its status as a welcoming country that appreciates the input of international students. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson's recent speech at the Embassy Education Conference in London conveyed positive messages for foreign students. She emphasized the courage of international students who venture into a new culture, far from home and family, and praised their ambition to acquire new skills and explore new opportunities. Phillipson expressed pride in the UK being a chosen destination for such students and pledged support for their success.
The UK provides a graduate visa allowing students to stay for two years post-study, or three years for PhD graduates, to work and contribute to society. UK Ambassador to the UAE, Edward Hobart, highlighted the mutual benefits of international education, noting the significant contributions of UAE students to the UK. The number of UAE students in British universities has nearly doubled in the past five years, with over 8,000 currently enrolled. Applications from UAE students for 2024 have also increased significantly.
Hobart emphasized the welcoming nature of the UK and the benefits of the graduate visa, which is now reaffirmed by the new Labour government. Sam McNeilly from Hale Education noted the advantages of the UK's graduate visa scheme, which offers access to a leading global economy and diverse job markets. Despite previous discussions about potentially abolishing the graduate visa, the new government's support for higher education seems promising.
Rema Menon Vellat from Counselling Point Training and Development acknowledged the current challenges in the UK job market but remains optimistic about future improvements. UAE students, like Syrian student Abdel Soud, remain determined to study in the UK despite economic challenges. However, some students, like Neil Bhattacharya from Warwick University, express concerns about the practicalities of the graduate visa and the job market's current state.
