Scottish Cities Alliance

The Scottish Cities Alliance along with Universities Scotland have written to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak regarding the UK Government’s response to the Migration Advisory Committee’s (MAC) review of the graduate route visa, and the implications that any increased migration controls would have on international students. 

In the joint letter, the Alliance and Universities Scotland have highlighted the economic benefits that international students bring to Scotland which go far beyond universities as they make a fundamental contribution to regional and national economies. Research shows that international students make a net positive contribution of at least £4.75bn to the Scottish economy. The benefits of this major export success story are felt across every parliamentary (MP) constituency, with the average net impact of international students for each constituency in Scotland estimated at £71m, equivalent to approximately £750 per resident. 

Scotland’s cities and its universities are deeply concerned at the prospect of further reform to the graduate route for international students, in response to the Migration Committee’s (MAC) review. Policy changes would put the UK’s post study work opportunities on a less competitive footing than our global competitors risks damaging an economic success story. International students will be more predisposed to choose international cities over Scottish cities.  

The Alliance welcomes today’s (14 May 2024) announcement by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) that the UK Government should leave the post-study work visa scheme in its current form, finding “no evidence of widespread abuse” and concluding that the graduate work visas were “not undermining the integrity of and quality of the UK higher education system”. With the UK government yet to respond, the Alliance and Universities Scotland have asked that the UK Government to carefully analyses the findings of the MAC and examine the economic consequences that would follow if the graduate route were to be restricted. 

The economic benefits that international students bring to Scotland currently sits above the UK average, which is £58 million per constituency and £560 per resident, and the economic benefits secured in Scotland are second only to London. As such, any measures taken to limit international student numbers would hit Scotland’s cities hard. Scotland’s universities and cities are integral partners, collaboratively fostering vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous environments. Their shared focus is on sustainable growth, high-value job creation, and diverse social and cultural opportunities. 

The future success of our cities and their residents hinges on strong global connections, international appeal, and the maximisation of international opportunities for local benefit. International students and graduates are pivotal to this dynamic. Scotland proudly hosts over 82,000 students from more than 170 countries. Our higher education sector is globally recognised, with the quality of teaching and research excellence serving as strong pull-factors for students. We offer international graduates the opportunity to work in Scotland and the UK for a fixed period upon completion of their studies, facilitating the application of their knowledge and skills within our economy. These graduates are valuable assets, supporting the sustainable growth of our cities and regions, enhancing the vitality of our city centres, and bolstering their international recognition as global centres of business and innovation. Further restrictions on the graduate route visa would not benefit Scotland’s cities or their people and could undermine regional growth and prosperity. 

*The Scottish Cities Alliance has worked with Universities Scotland in line with the policy priorities of Scottish Cities in the Scottish Cities Outlook Report in the run up to today’s publication by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) on the Graduate Route Visa Scheme