We want the
UK’S new immigration system will work well for international students – and Scotland, writes Kevin Foster
The United Kingdom is one of the most sought-after countries in the world for international students.
Every year, many thousands come here from all over the world to study at our outstanding educational establishments, including Scotland’s globally recognised universities.
Scottish universities have contributed a huge amount to securing this reputation, and they will benefit directly from the new graduate immigration route we launched this week.
They have been world leaders in research and scholarship for centuries. Not only is St Andrews one of the oldest and most respected institutions in the world, but we shouldn’t forget Scotland had established its four ancient universities long before England moved beyond two.
Since then it has added a succession of fine and innovative universities, responsible for cutting-edge research and applications in a whole range of disciplines and sectors, such as energy, the design and synthesis of new materials, the first-ever, full-body
MRI scanner, and, of course, Dolly the cloned sheep.
Overall, Scotland’s universities play a crucial part in keeping our worldleading higher education sector competitive on the global stage and at the cutting edge of research.
The international students choosing Scotland as the base for their continuing education can be guaranteed first-class tuition and the kudos of joining a world-renowned international research community.
I saw this first hand when, as minister for future borders and immigration, I visited the University of Glasgow, where I was impressed by the staff and students’ dedication, enthusiasm and ability in tackling some of the biggest challenges to face our world. It is also an institution which reaps the benefits of attracting so many international students, as do all of Scotland’s universities, and those of our whole UK.
In the year ending March 2021 250,683 sponsored study visas were issued, with many of those students taking up courses at Scottish universi