A new academic year is coming soon. But as students flock back to campuses, we will probably see fewer international student faces. According to the latest statistics, the number of work or study visa applicants fell by more than a third compared with last July, with some institutions bracing for a 50% decline in new international enrolments. This is causing a severe financial crisis for many universities, which can charge much higher fees for international students, a boon for campuses that find themselves running out of budget and even facing closures.
As an international student myself, I am saddened by this exodus. UK higher education is amazing. Studying here gave me the best opportunity I could have. I am deeply grateful for my lecturers, who encouraged me to pursue my passion and take the plunge into journalism. But I am not surprised by the sharp fall in our numbers.
