The government plans to cut the numbers of foreign students coming to British universities by 25,000 a year by introducing a tough new English language test. Some universities are running remedial classes for first year students and the home secretary has called for a crackdown on the number who cannot speak English properly. But is this decision fair on students coming to study science subjects or Mathematics, who often have weaker langauge skills and for whom English is not a main factor in their studies?

How difficult is the new English language test?

There has been a sharp increase in students coming to the UK from China, which has made up for a reduction in those coming from India. However, it is the Chinese students who are having the greatest difficulty in passing the current English language test.

The new English language test for international students will be be more rigorous and difficult than those in place at the moment in Australia and the USA. This might mean international students will look to those countries instead of the UK.

There government had been concerned with the number of foreign nationals coming to the UK on student visas obtained for the purpose of ‘studying’ at bogus colleges. These have since been closed down.

The government has also stopped around 900 colleges from admitting international students as part of the movement towards curbing immigration. The new English language test is the latest idea in the drive to reduce immigration numbers.

There is some argument over whether or not international students should be included in the targets the government has set for reducing immigration to the tens of thousands.

Could a reduction in international students damage the economy?

Universities are worried that a reduction in international student numbers will mean a negative impact economically. Some have estimated that a reduction in the number of international students coming to the UK to study could cost universities millions of pounds a year in student fees.

International students need to pass a written and spoken English language test as part of university admission and visa procedures.

Nicola Dandrige, the chief executive of Universities UK said:

“There is no evidence to suggest that students recruited under the current English language requirements are held back by their English language skills or are performing badly academically”.

Dandridge went on to comment that university statistics show that international students perform at a similar level to home students, with around 87% achieving a 2:2 degree or higher.

Share your thoughts

What do you think about the proposed tough new English language test?

Should all international students be able to speak English well?

Is this demand unfair on science students? Let us know in the comments.

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