Janice R. Andrews
The administration of the university has categorically refuted charges that foreign applicants are “squeezing out” British students, especially those that suggest foreign applicants are admitted with less stringent prerequisites than their domestic counterparts.
Concerns regarding fairness in university admissions arose after The Sunday Times revealed that foreign students, particularly those enrolled in foundation year programmes, were purportedly receiving reduced entry requirements for admittance.
A representative for the Russell Group of institutions retorted that the reports were “mendacious,” citing the fact that the reports did not differentiate between the prerequisites for admittance into foundation year programmes and regular undergraduate courses. Foundation year programmes have distinct entrance requirements and admissions procedures in order to prepare students for higher education.
The representative expounded that foundation programs—which usually entail English language instruction and carry a tuition of approximately £16,000—act as efficient routes for students from both outside and the UK. But admission to traditional degree programmes is not assured, refuting the myth that international students have a distinct edge.
Recordings of agents purportedly proposing easier admission for foundation courses while recruiting for different Russell Group universities were also included in the Sunday Times story. When The Guardian contacted universities, they said they were looking into the remarks but could not immediately respond.
The CEO of Universities UK, Vivienne Stern, stressed the importance of differentiating between the prerequisites for full degrees and International Foundation Years. She made the point that while International Foundation Years are meant to get students ready for full degree programmes, admission is not guaranteed.
In an additional effort to refute the allegations, university administrators provided data showing historically high enrollment rates of UK citizens in first-year undergraduate degree programmes for the 2021–2022 academic year. They also emphasised the fact that, in comparison to the prior year, there were over 10,000 fewer non-UK students.
It was accepted that UK institutions had financial difficulties, notably the suspension of domestic student tuition prices since 2016. Academic institutions’ growing dependence on revenue from overseas students, who are eligible for higher tuition, has been identified as a critical component of their financial viability.
Concerns have been raised by the government’s recent decision to extend the one-year ban on tuition prices in England and the 2.5% increase in maintenance loans. The 2.5% rise would have a detrimental effect on students, especially women, older students, and students from low-income families, according to the Department of Education’s equity impact assessment. This highlights the need for a bigger increase to keep up with inflation.
