On Friday 4 June, Students' Union UCL President Goksu Danaci attended PLMR’s latest Education Insights event, featuring a keynote address from Skills Minister Jacqui Smith. The event brought together sector leaders and policy experts to explore how higher and further education will help drive the Labour Government's growth agenda.
During the event, Goksu had the opportunity to speak directly with the Minister, raising concerns about recent changes to the UK’s post-study work visa route outlined in the Immigration White Paper. Drawing on insights from Russell Group Students' Unions' recent research into the international student experience, she asked about the Government’s rationale for the changes and highlighted the potential impact on the UK’s global competitiveness in attracting international students.
Goksu said: “Reducing the Graduate visa from 24 to 18 months is both short-sighted and counterproductive. It places additional pressure on international graduates to secure employment in an already challenging job market and risks deterring talented individuals from choosing the UK in the first place. Beyond the practical implications, such a change sends an unwelcoming message. What international students need now is certainty, not further disruption.”
Students' Union UCL is committed to ensuring that the student voice is included in national debates on immigration and education policy, particularly at a time when international students play such a vital role in our academic and campus communities.
The panel, chaired by LBC's Ian Dale, offered a valuable platform to explore the Government’s current higher education priorities and how they are integral to their growth strategy. Goksu’s participation ensured that student perspectives were firmly on the agenda and part of these forward-looking discussions.
What's Next?
As the Government continues to refine its approach to skills and education, Students' Union UCL will continue to work closely with the Russell Group Students' Union (RGSU) and remain focused on advocating for policies that reflect the needs of all students.
Stay tuned for more updates on our engagement with policymakers and how we’re working to place student experience at the heart of national education policy.