International Briefing 05/09/24

Government position on international students and partnerships

AoC welcomes the new government's messaging that recognises the value of international students, as articulated in Bridget Phillipson’s speech at the Embassy conference at the end of July and in a video aimed at international students. Both communications highlighted the place international students have in our country and the many benefits of international partnerships, not simply the economic benefits. Labour appears to want to move away from the ‘mixed messaging’ of previous administrations and have stated their commitment to creating international partnerships throughout the education system.

However, despite a more positive narrative around international students, it is important to note that the policy environment is not changing at any pace. Many of the measures introduced at the end of the previous government, such as restrictions on dependents, will continue “to ensure that international students themselves, the institutions they are coming to study at, and the immigration system as a whole is protected from those who wish to exploit it”. AoC will continue to monitor this space and ensure the FE sector is represented in consultations and discussions.

International network groups

If you work on student mobility projects you are welcome to join AoC’s College Student Mobility Group.

If you work in international student recruitment or partnership development you are welcome to join AoC’s International Forum.

The key aims of the groups are to:

• collate and develop views on behalf of colleges to feedback to national agencies on the impact of national policy on colleges and their students and stakeholders 

• provide an expert forum for discussion, good practice and networking on implementation and operation of international engagement  

The next meeting of the College Student Mobility Group will take place on 3rd October 24 at 10am.

The next meeting of the International Forum will take place on 10th October at 11am.

Please contact nina.chorzelewski@aoc.co.uk for further information on group membership.

eVisas

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) are developing a digital immigration system and are replacing physical documents such as BRPs and vignette stickers with an online record of immigration status.

It is important that international students and create a UKVI account to access their eVisas.

General details and support are available here.

Student focussed support resources are available here.

Agent Quality Framework

For colleges who work with agents, here is a link to resources supporting the Agent Quality Framework (AQF), including a database of certified agents and counsellors.

The framework, led by the British Council, UKCISA, BUILA and UUKI, is designed to enhance the partnership between the UK education sector and agents and counsellors and to recognise and share best practice.