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UK Secretary of State for Education welcomes international students
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In a speech recognising the enormous contribution that international students make to our universities, the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, outlined the Government’s approach to international students and the Graduate visa.
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The Secretary of State for Education set out the Government’s commitment to the Graduate visa and the opportunities that the UK’s higher education sector offers to international students, saying:
Be in no doubt: international students are welcome in the UK. This new Government values their contribution – to our universities, to our communities, to our country. I want Britain to welcome those who want to come to these shores to study, and meet the requirements to do so.These people are brave. They move to a new culture, far away from their homes and their families. They take a leap of faith, hoping to develop new skills and chase new horizons. And I am enormously proud that so many want to take that leap here in the UK. And we will do everything we can to help them succeed.That’s why we offer the opportunity to remain in the UK on a Graduate visa for two years after their studies end – or three for PhDs – to work, to live, and to contribute.
Professor Anthony Woodman, Provost and Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of West London, commented:
I welcome the stability that this announcement will bring for future students thinking of studying in the UK.Our international students bring a host of experience and perspectives from across the globe into our classrooms and the UWL community. We are delighted that talented students from around the world choose to come to London and study with us.In return, we offer career-focused courses and facilities which are designed to equip students with the skills needed by employers. We are very proud of the successful careers that our graduates follow both in the UK and abroad.We look forward to continuing to welcome future international students to join us at UWL.
Mohit Rajbhandari, studying a Masters in Business Administration, reflected on his experience as an international student coming to the UK to study at UWL:
My student journey at UWL has been a remarkable voyage of growth and discovery. With the unwavering support of my course leaders and the assistance I received at every turn, each step has been a testament to the university's commitment to nurturing both academic excellence and my personal development.