London Mayor Slams Proposed Levy on International Student Tuition Fees
2 Min Read
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has voiced strong opposition to the UK government’s proposal to introduce a levy on international students’ tuition fees, warning that such a move could harm the country’s economy and global standing in education.
Speaking at Imperial Global Ghana, the overseas campus of Imperial College London in Accra, Khan called the proposed policy “an act of immense economic self-harm” that could deter international students and place further financial strain on already stretched UK universities.
The UK is considering the levy as part of its upcoming immigration whitepaper, which would tax the income universities in England generate from international students. Khan cautioned that this would not only discourage overseas applicants but also undermine the financial sustainability of higher education institutions.
International students contribute approximately £12.5 billion to London and £55 billion to the wider UK economy each year. Khan emphasised that the UK should not turn its back on this vital economic input. “At a time when President Trump is attacking international students, we should be welcoming them,” he said.
He also highlighted the long-term value international students bring to the UK, often staying post-study to contribute to sectors such as tech, AI, finance, and the creative industries. “Pulling up the drawbridge or punishing universities for attracting global talent would slow growth and hurt British workers,” Khan stated.
The remarks were delivered as part of Khan’s trade mission to Ghana, during which he also celebrated Imperial College London’s partnership with the University of Ghana. Vice-Chancellor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo praised the collaboration for fostering innovation and supporting over 115 student-led startups across Ghana.
Despite Khan’s warnings, the levy appears set to proceed. At the recent BUILA conference, UK Skills Minister Jacqui Smith reaffirmed the government’s intention, citing it as essential to maintaining public trust in the country’s international education model.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
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