Letter: Foreign deficit

IT IS disheartening that almost 20 per cent of overseas university and college students disagreed with the statement, “The UK welcomes well-qualified international students”, in a recent report about the impact of the changes to the UK visa system (your report, 29 November).

The majority of international students in the UK are here legitimately and we should welcome them. The benefit is mutual: each year in Scotland they contribute approximately £188 million in fees – a vital source of private income for universities – and spend another £231m in the wider community.

Our economy benefits from having international universities which produce graduates whose skills and outlook have been enhanced by the experiences, perspectives and ideas brought by international students.

The links established between overseas students and Scotland often lead to new business partnerships after students have returned to their home country.

The considerable cultural and social benefits that international students bring to our society are equally important, and we are all richer for that experience.

Scotland’s universities have long experience of recruiting students from overseas and have been granted Highly Trusted Status by the UK Border Agency.

International students are not economic migrants and should not be part of the debate around levels of net migration. Universities will continue to support Scotland’s international profile and its economy, but we must be able to compete internationally and attract the very best students.

Professor Dame Joan Stringer DBE

Principal & vice- chancellor

Edinburgh Napier University

Convener of Universities Scotland International Committee

Sighthill Court

Edinburgh