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<p>In the 2018/19 academic year, tuition fees from international students at UK higher
education providers accounted for around £7 billion of sector income. The government
recognises that the COVID-19 outbreak will have an unparalleled impact on all elements
of the global and UK economies. The higher education sector, including student recruitment,
is no exception. We have been working closely with the sector to monitor the likely
impacts of COVID-19 on international student numbers, including restrictions on travel.
We understand that the COVID-19 outbreak and a possible reduction in the number of
international students poses significant challenges and we stand ready to help the
sector with various mitigations.</p><p>On Monday 4 May, my right hon. Friend, the
Secretary of State for Education, announced the package of measures to stabilise university
admissions this autumn and ensure sustainability in higher education at a time of
unprecedented uncertainty. Full details of the package have been published on GOV.UK:
<a href="http://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-support-package-for-universities-and-students"
target="_blank">www.gov.uk/government/news/government-support-package-for-universities-and-students</a>.</p><p>The
government is also working to ensure that existing rules and regulations, including
visa regulations, are as flexible as possible for international students under these
unprecedented circumstances. For example, on 16 June, the government confirmed that
distance/blended learning will be permitted for the 2020/21 academic year provided
students intend to transition to face-to-face learning as soon as circumstances allow.
In addition, higher education providers will be flexible in accommodating applicants’
circumstances where possible, including if applicants are unable to travel to the
UK in time for the start of the academic year.</p><p>The new graduate route, due to
be launched in summer 2021, provides an opportunity for international students who
have been awarded their degree to stay and work in the UK at any skill level for 2
years. The government has also confirmed that those studying by distance/blended learning
will be eligible to apply for the graduate route provided they are in the UK by 6
April 2021.</p><p>On Friday 5 June, the Department for Education announced Sir Steve
Smith as the International Education Champion, a key deliverable of the 2019 International
Education Strategy. Sir Steve Smith will assist with opening up export growth opportunities
for the whole UK education sector, tackling international challenges such as those
posed to attracting international students and forging lasting global connections.
The International Education Strategy, published in March 2019 by the Department for
Education and the Department for International Trade, set out a commitment to review
progress following its publication. The review, which we intend to publish this autumn,
will ensure that the International Education Strategy responds to this new context
and the challenges that are posed by COVID-19.</p>
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