It follows a major policy from Reform UK that would bar “foreign students” from securing student loans at the same time as it launches a major push for apprenticeships. It claims that billions of pounds in savings could be put towards expanding apprenticeship programs for British businesses.
Reform UK education spokesperson and former UK home secretary Suella Braverman said: “We estimate that we can save about £2 billion from stopping foreign students from accessing student loans, which are taxpayer-funded.”
But UK universities have railed against the comments, clarifying that the vast majority of international students are not, in fact, eligible for UK student finance.
“International students are not eligible for UK student finance and they are not getting loans,” said Universities UK chief executive Vivienne Stern. “The students that Braverman is targeting are lawful residents who have settled status to live and work here permanently.”
The vast majority of international students are not able to get UK government funding for their studies – although may secure a student loan if they have indefinite leave to remain or hold EU settled status.
Irish students are also eligible for UK student loans. While HESA data shows that there more students from Ireland enrolled in UK universities than from any other EU country in 2024/25, this number sat at just 9,800.
The students that Braverman is targeting are lawful residents who have settled status to live and work here permanently
Vivienne Stern, Universities UK
Stern added that international students make a significant economic contribution to the UK to the tune of around £62 million per parliamentary constituency.
“Their fees ensure more opportunity for British students and support the innovative research that happens in towns and cities across the length and breadth of the country,” said Stern.
The government will introduce a levy on international student tuition fees at English universities in 2028, with the money this raises to be ringfenced and spent on maintenance loans for domestic students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Speaking at the press conference, Braverman went as far as to blast UK higher education. “We’ve got too many young people who are failing in our universities because they’re falling for the great university scam, signing up to £50,000 of student debt… for what? To study pointless subjects at mediocre universities,” she said.
But Stern hit back that a university education is still a positive choice for many students.
“For the majority of graduates, a degree pays off through higher average earnings, reduced likelihood of unemployment and a wider range of opportunities. Students should feel confident that their degree will set them up for a brighter future and equip them with skills they need to enter and succeed in the workforce,” she said.
“Universities already offer a great deal of vocational and technical education and are working closely with employers so students develop the skills our economy desperately needs, whatever they choose to study. Many graduates who did creative or specialist degrees go on to have highly rewarding and successful careers.”
