International student levy

Dear students,

While we at ICU welcome the reintroduction of maintenance grants, we are deeply concerned about the mechanism chosen to fund them. The proposed levy risks creating significant unintended consequences for both students and universities.

Sector modelling suggests the potential decrease in international student numbers as a result of the levy has been significantly underestimated. It could reduce international student enrolment far more than anticipated, undermining the revenue it is intended to generate.

At present, universities across the UK are under severe financial strain. Diverting international fee income now could lead to further course closures, job losses, and cuts to student support. Furthermore, it risks diminishing the UK's competitiveness in attracting international students, whose contributions are vital to both our universities, local economies, and community.

International students constitute about half of our members. This governmental
action is one of many initiatives that we at ICU oppose. International students are vital to our community, and particularly within our STEMB institution, limitations on access to an Imperial education hinder scientific progress for the greater good.

This is only one of several measures that convey a lack of welcome to our
international students.

We at ICU have reached out to our MP, but have not received a response yet;
however, we will persist in our efforts to communicate. Alongside our colleagues in other Russell Group Students' Unions, we are advocating for the following:

Review of the Levy Mechanism: We urge the Department for Education and HM Treasury to review the levy mechanism prior to implementation, publishing
comprehensive sensitivity analyses using realistic assumptions about international student demand.

Alternative Funding Sources: We press the government to identify alternative,
stable sources of public funding for maintenance grants.

Transitional Protections: We call for transitional protections for universities to
prevent job losses, course closures, or reductions in student support.

We share the government’s aim of supporting students from low-income
backgrounds, but this must not compromise the sustainability of our universities or the diversity that international students bring to the UK.

What can you do?

Reach out to your MP and make your voice heard. The more people who contact their MPs, the higher the chance that the government take notice and respond to our calls.

You can find out who your MP is and how to contact them here.

You can use this letter we sent to our MP Rachel Blake as a template.

Together, we can advocate for a more sustainable and inclusive approach to student funding.

Join Anson’s Liberation and Wellbeing forum on the 25th of November to discuss what else we should be doing and the impact this increase could have.

Cheers,

Nico