International Student Levy Consultation

Solutions

We don’t just generate ideas, but also solutions.

Our approach and strategic, cross-sector network linking universities, business and government is unlike any other. We bring our members together to leverage the skills and talent fostered by our universities and to strengthen further the UK’s world-class research and development.

In order for the International Student Levy to genuinely generate revenue and drive economic growth, we recommend that:

International students sponsored by UK industry should be exempted from the levy

Providers should not be liable in respect of students on sandwich years or industrial placements

Government should conduct a more holistic impact assessment before the levy is implemented, to better understand the implications for businesses and local economies, including how the levy impacts university-business collaboration

As part of this impact assessment, the Government should consider the Russell Group’s evidence as to whether a levy on international PhD students hinders the Government meeting its policy objectives for global talent and industrial growth

Government should consider deploying levy funds to support the progression of domestic students onto PhD programmes. This includes facilitating mobility between industry and academia

Once the levy is implemented, Government should engage with stakeholders, including NCUB, to design a detailed and comprehensive monitoring and evaluation approach