TIGA, the network for games developers and digital publishers and the trade association representing the video games industry, has backed the Government’s commitment to encourage international students to come to UK universities.
Baroness Williams, Home Office Minister, stated that the Government ‘absolutely acknowledge that international students enrich the economy and… this country.’ She added that the Government has ‘no plans’ to cap the number of international students.
As part of the Government’s efforts to encourage international students to study in the UK, Baroness Williams pointed to the Government’s student visa pilot programme, which has been extended to a further 23 institutions. Currently in its second year, the pilot streamlines the process for international students looking to study on a Masters course of 13 months or less in the UK.
In the House of Lords debate, Lord Holmes of Richmond underlined the importance of the UK’s higher education sector. He noted that more than 50 current Heads of State or Prime Ministers were educated in UK higher education.
Baroness Williams also pointed out that the number of university-sponsored visas issued rose by 6 per cent last year. She also pointed out that Indian student numbers rose by 28 per cent.
The scheme also provides greater support for students who wish to switch to a work visa and take up a graduate role, by allowing them to remain in the UK for 6 months after they have finished their course.
Universities taking part are given responsibility for eligibility checks, meaning that students can submit fewer documents than required in the current process alongside their visa applications.
Dr Richard Wilson OBE, Chief Executive Officer of TIGA, said:
“It is great to see the Government support UK universities in attracting international talent. International students provide a valuable pipeline of skilled workers that help UK businesses grow and thrive.
“TIGA is particularly supportive of the scheme that allows masters students to take up graduate roles in the UK. It is important that the video games industry has access to a wide pool of talent as this can only help our global competitiveness.”
The full debate in the House of Lords is available to view here
