In response to the Social Market Foundation reports out today (25 June 2024) on international students and the financial sustainability of UK higher education, Dr Tim Bradshaw, Chief Executive of the Russell Group, said:

"International demand for our higher education should be regarded as a genuine UK success story, helping to boost our soft power and drive research and innovation across the country, as well as bringing global perspectives to our university communities.

"Work is already underway by our universities to diversify student intakes to ensure overseas recruitment is sustainable, and it is vital that this is supported by stability in government policy and more positive rhetoric around UK higher education so the UK remains a leading destination for students around the world.

"With growing funding shortfalls for domestic teaching and research, international fee income is also increasingly important to the sector’s financial health. This enables universities to continue increasing the number of places for UK undergraduates and delivering crucial R&D activities. We are ready to work with the next government to help develop a more sustainable higher education funding model, which is fair to students, universities and taxpayers, and protects the pipeline of skills that is so important to our public services and for economic growth."