Source: UK University Application Center

It's been a while since we last talked about the recent situation in the UK, and there are quite a few things going on here. There are plenty of little gossips too. For instance, the British Prime Minister is working on an immigration white paper, and naturally, he has made some enemies. Two houses of his have been set on fire. This guy hasn't been in power for long, and his approval rating has already collapsed. Whether he can finish his term remains to be seen.

Talking about it, ever since Cameron resigned due to Brexit, no British Prime Minister has lasted very long. It really fits that saying: "Prime Ministers come and go, but Larry stays forever."

Enough chit-chat, let's get straight to the point.

No.1 International students will also be taxed. UK universities plan to impose a 6% tuition tax!

UK is really broke these days and has started targeting UK universities. UK universities are also suffering. Not only has their education funding decreased, but they now have to cover more costs on their own. Now, they are being required to pay an additional tuition tax.

The current recruitment situation for UK universities is already quite difficult. Many schools are running fiscal deficits. The University of Edinburgh, for example, is among the QS top 100, and there are even more schools ranked after QS 100, like Exeter and York, facing similar issues.

Since the new Prime Minister took office, he has already started targeting private schools by imposing new taxes on them. Now, they have turned their attention to UK universities. It seems like the UK government has invested too much in US bonds and needs to find extra ways to generate income.

According to data from the UK government, international students bring in £20.65 billion annually for the UK, with 60% coming from international student tuition fees. Therefore, they plan to impose a tax of around 6%, which is approximately £720 million.

Of course, this move will make things difficult for universities, as they will need to offset this loss, which will inevitably affect international students. In other words, future UK university costs are likely to increase further. A 3% increase may not be enough anymore; it might start at 6%. The cost of studying in the UK will probably rise. Whether studying in the UK is still worth it is another question.

All of the UK's small calculations are focused on targeting international students. They want both: they want to raise your tuition to inject vitality into the economy, yet they don't want you to stay, trying various ways to discourage you. Although they have issued post-study work visas (PSW), they are hesitant. According to the new white paper, the original two-year validity period has been basically reduced to 18 months for both undergraduate and master’s degrees. They are cutting the validity period by half first. The main focus is to prevent you from staying and competing with locals for jobs. If you think about coming here just to take advantage of welfare, forget it.

Additionally, permanent residency requirements are being redefined, extending from five years to ten years. Of course, this is purely targeted at the excessive issuance of work visas after the PSW visa and the large number of refugee visas granted after aiding Ukraine. The UK doesn't want to admit responsibility and is stretching out the timeframe to eventually send some people away.

To be honest, with the UK's targeting policies, is studying in the UK still worthwhile? This is indeed a question, especially for those who want to work or settle there permanently. Isn't this a blatant deterrent? Of course, the upside is that it will become even harder for UK universities to recruit students. With higher tuition fees, fewer people will go. The difficulty level might ease up a bit. Especially for schools ranked after QS 100, it might be like giving things away for free.

No.2 Is the UK going to rejoin the EU?

By the way, recently, the UK-EU summit was held in London. The EU and the UK seem to be getting along well again, entering a honeymoon phase. They will have a closer cooperative atmosphere. The UK and the EU have reached an agreement on a new trade deal following Brexit.

Both parties have eliminated some trade barriers in commodities such as food, beverages, and electrical products. According to reports, this mutual benefit could bring the UK nearly £25 billion in economic growth.

Of course, besides trade issues, the UK has also strengthened talent exchanges. The UK indeed needs EU students badly. They are currently promoting youth mobility programs. Once implemented, it might return to the pre-Brexit situation. The number of EU students will increase significantly. There is no discount yet for EU students' tuition fees. If this were discounted, it would be exactly like not leaving the EU. Then many projects would return, scholarships would be established, and UK universities wouldn't be so passive anymore.

To be honest, if EU students return, it will alleviate the financial pressure on many UK universities. After all, the main problem for UK universities now is the obstruction in the EU market and the reduction in Indian and South African students. They can only recruit more students in Southeast Asia, but the quality of students recruited has declined, making the admission standards looser. This is not conducive to the long-term development of UK universities or the diversity of international students pursued by good schools.

Speaking of it, the relationship between the UK and the EU is indeed significant. This new cooperation will provide new conveniences for both sides in terms of job opportunities, talent exchange, living costs, environmental convenience, and deep project cooperation. Although this doesn't mean rejoining the EU, the relationship has become closer. This reminds me of Scotland, which might hold another independence referendum to join the EU. Things could happen unexpectedly.

In summary: Let's summarize the issue of UK universities increasing tuition taxes. Honestly, this has pros and cons depending on your perspective. If you're not short on money, it's actually good for you. The UK just wants money. The additional amount, even the previous increases in IHS, is negligible for some families and won't affect their decision to study abroad. On the positive side, it filters out some weaker applicants, making it easier to apply and increasing your chances to attend a good school.

Of course, if you're short on money and concerned about costs, the UK might become less suitable for you in the future. Costs and living expenses will continue to rise. Tuition fees will increase significantly, and accommodation fees have also risen sharply. Currently, around £500,000 per year is considered standard. Three years ago, £350,000 was sufficient for suburban schools. Many business courses now start at £35,000 per year. Add up all the miscellaneous fees, and the exchange rate has also increased. Fees are indeed a hurdle set by the UK visa center for some people.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7507085946341409321/

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