Overview

• The UK government is consulting on its immigration white paper that proposes a levy on universities’ international student income and reducing post-study visas from two years to 18 months, with final rules due in the autumn budget.
• London Mayor Sadiq Khan, on a trade visit to Accra, condemned the levy and visa cuts as “immense economic self-harm” and urged ministers to preserve the current graduate stay period.
• New analysis from London Economics, commissioned by City Hall, estimates overseas students contribute £12.5 billion a year to London and £55 billion across the UK.
• University groups including London Higher and Universities UK warn the measures risk undermining university finances, deterring global talent and eroding Britain’s soft power.
• London has slipped from first to third in the QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2026 behind Seoul and Tokyo, highlighting rising competition for international students.