Wales Rejects UK International Student Levy, Reaffirms Commitment to Global Students
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Wales has confirmed it will not adopt the UK government’s controversial international student levy, signalling a strong commitment to welcoming global students. Education Secretary Lynne Neagle told the Welsh Parliament on October 8 that Wales would “really welcome” international students, emphasising their positive social, cultural, and economic contributions.
“The levy will not be applied in Wales. We are not seeking to moderate student demand in this way,” Neagle said. Her comments come as the UK government plans to roll out the levy in England, effectively imposing a tax on income universities earn from international students.
Universities Wales chair Professor Elwen Evans welcomed the announcement, highlighting the significant impact international students have on Welsh universities and communities. “The levy would have increased financial pressure on our sector, affecting universities’ capacity to contribute locally and potentially reducing places for Welsh and UK students,” Evans said.
The levy was first proposed in the UK government’s immigration white paper in May 2025 and is intended to fund targeted maintenance grants for disadvantaged domestic students. While England will move forward with the policy, Wales has chosen to opt out, preserving the affordability and attractiveness of its higher education institutions for international students.
According to Public First data, international student contributions benefit every full-time working adult in the UK by £466 annually on average. Welsh universities themselves generate £1.26 billion per year from international student fees, demonstrating the sector’s critical economic role.
The UK-wide levy has drawn criticism from sector leaders, who warn that it could lead to a loss of up to 77,000 international students over the next five years due to higher tuition costs. By rejecting the levy, Wales positions itself as a competitive and welcoming destination for global talent.
“With this decision, the Welsh Government sends a clear message: international students are valued and central to the future of higher education in Wales,” Evans added.
As the UK government moves ahead with its reforms in England, Wales stands out as a country committed to maintaining openness and global engagement in its universities.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
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