On Friday 5 June, the Minister for Universities Michelle Donelan MP, outlined support for international students and the higher education sector throughout the coronavirus crisis.
Michelle Donelan MP announced the appointment of Sir Steve Smith as an International Education Champion to boost the number of international students in the UK.
The role of the Champion will be to work with organisations across the education sector, to target priority regions worldwide to build networks, and to promote the UK as the international education partner of choice. Sir Steve Smith will also spearhead overseas activity and target market access barriers on behalf of the education sector.
This announcement builds on the support for international students as outlined in Michelle Donelan’s letter to international students. The letter can be read in full here, and outlines new measures such as flexibility on visa regulations and mental health support.
The Government are also planning the launch of the new-points based student route later this year, and the new Graduate Route in the summer of 2021, which will enable international students who have been awarded their degree to stay and work in the UK at any skill level for two years.
More information on Sir Steve Smith’s appointment and wider support for the sector can be found here.