The UK recently made an announcement to make it difficult for international students to bring their families and switch to work visas. Though it only applies to students enrolled in 1-year Master’s programmes and not those pursuing research degrees.

Why did the UK resort to this?

The UK government claimed there were so many family members arriving on student visas that put pressure on their resources.

What’s the impact?

Students from India and Nigeria are amongst a large number of UK Master’s students, are anxious now. They feel unwelcome and fear this kind of change will harm their studies as well as job prospects. Consequently, some of them might even choose to study elsewhere.

Expert viewpoints on the UK’s new student visa rules

Concerns on student loss: Industry insiders in the UK warn that the country will surely lose out on many brilliant students pursuing a Master’s degree due to the family visa restrictions. They believe that the one-year Master’s programmes, conventionally attractive due to their family option, will now lose their appeal, driving lots of international students away from studying in the UK. These restrictions will also make it hard for international students to secure employment post-graduation and thus make a successful career in the UK. Experts are also of the opinion that such international students will have adverse effects on their mental health.

Direct student feedback: Experts from one of the UK’s prestigious business schools surveyed one-year MBA students. One-third of the students were registered from other international countries. The experts found that all such international students would leave the UK if they couldn’t bring their families along with them. It reflects the strong preference for family members especially for long-term programmes.

Concerns

• Without family support, students will now struggle to focus on their studies.
• Finding jobs post graduation will be difficult for such students without the opportunity to switch to a work visa.
• Students will feel secluded and cut-off without their families.

What the future holds for the UK?

It’s too early to conclude as to how this policy change will impact the UK’s international student market. It’s only the time that will tell if the UK will draw more international students despite these new changes.