52
Accepted in Part
We heard strong opposition from the higher education sector to the International Student Levy.
Conclusion
We heard strong opposition from the higher education sector to the International Student Levy. They are concerned they may not be able to pass on the extra cost to students through higher fees and will struggle to absorb the additional financial cost given the sector’s wider financial difficulties. We were told by the Chair of the Migration Advisory Committee that he expects in the long run the cost will be passed on to international students. The Government told us that the funding of maintenance grants through the levy would tangibly demonstrate the benefits that international students bring to the UK higher education system, particularly through benefiting disadvantaged students in England. (Conclusion, Paragraph 275)
Government Response Summary
The government states it has listened to the sector's concerns regarding the International Student Levy and has introduced measures such as delaying implementation until 2028/29, allowing payment in arrears, and providing an allowance for smaller providers, alongside a technical consultation and continued engagement.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
PLANS ALREADY IN PLACE The Government has listened to concerns raised by the sector. The levy will not be introduced until 2028/29 to give providers time to plan for its introduction. Providers will also pay the levy one year in arrears, to help with their financial planning. Providers will be given an allowance for the first 220 international students per year. This is to mitigate the levy having a disproportionate impact on smaller providers, particularly those operating specialist and resource intensive models with limited other means of cross-subsidisation. We also launched a technical consultation on the International Student Levy in November 2025, giving stakeholders the opportunity to contribute their views and shape how the levy will be delivered when it is introduced in 2028. We will publish our response to the consultation in summer 2026. As part of this consultation, we also invited providers, representative bodies, and relevant stakeholders to take part in consultative meetings. We will continue to engage with providers on the implementation of the levy, to ensure its effective introduction and operation.
Source
Committee
Education Committee
Report
9th Report - Higher Education and Funding: Threat of Insolvency and International Students
12 May 2026
HC 807
Addressee Bodies
Department for Education
Timeline
Recommendation age
0.2 yrs
Report published
12 May 2026