44 Accepted

We heard concerns about changes to the Graduate Visa under the previous and present governments.

Conclusion
We heard concerns about changes to the Graduate Visa under the previous and present governments. The graduate visa was one factor in the increase in international student numbers after 2021, and the changes since 2023 have been a factor in the subsequent reduction in the number of international students in the last three years. These changes also mean the UK compares unfavourably to major competitor markets in Australia and Canada. (Conclusion, Paragraph 230)
Government Response Summary
The government states that the independent Migration Advisory Committee has already conducted a review of the Graduate route and that the Home Office and DfE will continue to monitor the impact of changes and keep policies under regular review.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government Accepted
PLANS ALREADY IN PLACE The independent Migration Advisory Committee have already conducted a review of the Graduate route. The Home Office and DfE will continue to monitor the impact of changes to the Graduate route and the Home Office keeps its policies under regular review.
Source
Committee Education Committee
Inquiry Higher Education and Funding: Threat of Insolvency and International Students
Report 9th Report - Higher Education and Funding: Threat of Insolvency and International Students 12 May 2026 HC 807
View on Parliament website
Addressee Bodies
Department for Education
Timeline
Recommendation age 0.2 yrs
Report published 12 May 2026