Proposed UK Student Levy Could Undermine Exchange Programmes and Outward Mobility
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Concerns are rising across UK higher education over a proposed international student levy that could unintentionally damage key elements of overseas study, exchange programmes and subjects such as modern languages. Critics argue that, as currently drafted, the policy may make reciprocal student mobility financially unsustainable and reduce opportunities for UK students to study abroad.
The levy, set out in a technical consultation by the UK government, would see universities pay a flat £925 per international student per year. While the policy’s stated aim is to generate revenue to reinvest in the higher education and skills system, stakeholders say the design overlooks a crucial distinction: the difference between full-fee paying international students and exchange or study-abroad participants who pay no fees under reciprocal agreements.
Under current proposals, most incoming exchange students would still count towards the levy because they enter the UK on standard student or visitor visas. This could result in institutions being required to pay the charge even though these students generate no tuition income. In practice, a university could pay £925 for each incoming exchange student, creating a direct cost where none existed before.
Universities warn that this could have knock-on effects for outward mobility for UK students. Exchange programmes function as two-way systems: hosting overseas students makes it easier and more affordable for UK students to spend part of their degrees abroad. If hosting becomes a net cost, institutions may cap or reduce inbound numbers, rebalance or withdraw reciprocal partnerships, and scale back opportunities for their own students.
The potential impact is particularly acute for modern languages and area studies, where international exchange is integral to teaching and curriculum design. Programmes in these areas are already under financial pressure, and adding levy charges could further weaken their sustainability.
Sector voices stress that the issue is fixable, not fatal. Options such as excluding students who are studying abroad on exchange or credit-only terms from the levy, or refining definitions to distinguish fee-paying from non-fee-paying learners, could protect mobility without undermining the policy’s goals.
Without adjustment, the proposed international student levy risks penalising the very systems that support global engagement, exchange and outward mobility for UK students. Universities and policymakers are urged to engage with the consultation to ensure that the levy supports rather than hinders international education and reciprocal academic ties.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
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