‘Reforms needed’ to attract diversity in international students

Jo Johnson urges application reform, while rankings firm argues for post-study visa extension

Former universities minister Jo Johnson has called on the government to prioritise “de-risking” international student recruitment, as a report called for the post-study work visa to be extended to three years.

Writing in The Times on 30 May, Johnson argued that universities are generally recruiting international students from a list of “low-risk” countries that are less likely to have their student visa applications refused by the Home Office. A refusal rate of 10 per cent or more could result in universities’ licences to host international students being revoked.