Scottish minister Ben Macpherson is urging the UK government to support international higher education, as universities across the country face significant financial and operational challenges.
Macpherson’s speech at the British Universities’ International Liaison Association conference came as universities grapple with new Basic Compliance Assessment metrics, declining international enrollments, and visa restrictions on certain countries.
He acknowledged the challenges, but emphasized the importance of international students to the sustainability of universities and the diversity of the economy and society.
International students, Macpherson said, enrich not just classrooms and campuses, but societies and local economies.
Many international students who come to the UK to study remain after graduation, contributing their skills to the workforce and communities.
Research from the Higher Education Policy Institute and Kaplan International Pathways found that international students who began higher education in the UK in 2024/25 are expected to generate a net economic benefit of £40.4 billion over the course of their studies, with every 10 students contributing around £1m to the UK economy.
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Macpherson called on the UK government to make necessary changes to support world-class universities.
He invited the sector to help push the government to take action, saying he wants to make a clear call to push the UK government to get behind the sector more strongly.
The minister’s comments were echoed by BUILA vice-chair Stuart Easter, who said the sector needs to develop a broader narrative about the value of international students.
Easter pointed to a shift in how institutions are responding to policy and compliance pressures, saying that success depends on a whole-institution approach.
Collective responsibility extends beyond institutional walls and enables a whole-sector practitioner approach, which will be increasingly important as the sector moves forward.
In the midst of these challenges, international higher education plays a role in the UK’s economy and society.
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It will be important to balance the need for compliance and policy changes with the need to support and celebrate the value of international students.
Ben Macpherson emphasized that universities must resist pessimism and work together to improve policy.
They must get behind the sector and make necessary changes to support world-class universities.
The sector needs to develop a broader narrative about the value of international students, one that moves beyond their fiscal contribution and articulates their social, cultural, and civic impact.
International students enrich local communities and contribute to the UK economy.
Ben Macpherson’s comments highlight the importance of international students to the UK’s economy and society.
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