New Education Secretary, UK: Int’l students always welcome/graduate route to stay

Recently appointed Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson, has said that international students are always welcome to the UK and has affirmed that the graduate route shall continue. Appointed by the newly-elected UK government under Keith Starmer, Secretary Phillipson said “Be in no doubt: international students are welcome in the UK. This new government values their contribution – to our universities, to our communities, to our country.”

She also added: “Under this new government, opportunity is for everyone. And our international partnerships are central to this drive to spread opportunity far and wide. The more we work together, the more progress we will see in the world – partners in the push for better.”

There was another positive takeaway for international students with regard to the graduate route. Secretary Phillipson reaffirmed that the graduate route is here to stay- for now. “These people are brave. They move to a new culture, far away from their homes and their families.  They take a leap of faith, hoping to develop new skills and chase new horizons. And I am enormously proud that so many want to take that leap here in the UK. And we will do everything we can to help them succeed. That’s why we offer the opportunity to remain in the UK on a graduate visa for two years after their studies end – or three for PhDs – to work, to live, and to contribute”.

These pronouncements were made at the Education Embassy Conference in London on Tuesday 23 July and have sent a positive message to both prospective international students and the international community at large.  The UK has always been a popular study destination for international students and, in light of the announcements by the newly-elected Secretary, shall remain so at least for the time being.