UK universities Advised To Reduce Fraudulent International Student Applications.

UK Universities have been urged to reduce the number of fraudulent applications from foreign students.

Lord Jo Johnson, a former Conservative education minister, has advised UK universities to cut down on fraudulent applications from international students or face criticism in Westminster.

Due to course abandonment or a lack of funding, he thinks the sector has reached the political point where it can no longer accept as many international students. Johnson emphasized that the days of government backing for continued population expansion were finished and urged colleges to take immediate action.

UK institutions are increasingly using international tuition fees to subsidize domestic students, raising concerns about pushing immigration over education. Despite contributing over £42 billion in economic benefits to the UK, high dropout rates among Indian and Bangladeshi students, which are close to 25%, are detrimental to the sector's reputation. In May, Home Secretary Suella Braverman imposed restrictions on foreign students, including removing the right for master students to bring family members and closing a loophole for students to switch to skilled worker visas. However, the graduate route visa, allowing students to stay in the UK for two years after finishing their studies, was not shut down by the government.

Due to other countries enhancing post-study job rights for international graduates, the UK's position as the top study destination has decreased. Fewer overseas students filled confirmed slots at four top-tier UK universities, which had an impact on budgets. David Johnson, chair of FutureLearn, suggested improving quality and lowering reliance on Chinese and Indian students. Johnson suggested escrowing living expenses, application fees, and upfront tuition payment requirements. Director of Universities UK Vivienne Stern acknowledged the financial advantages of international students but cautioned against potential government intervention if a robust recruitment strategy is not maintained.

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