London’s colleges and universities have banded together to lobby the city government for a slew of reforms they say are necessary to compete in the international student market.
Title of “The World’s Top Study Destination” goes to London
London, the capital city of England, has been named the world’s top study destination by the World University Rankings. The city is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities, including the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London, which consistently rank among the top universities in the world. In addition to its world-class universities, London also offers a rich cultural experience for students. The city is home to a diverse population, with more than 300 languages spoken within its borders. It is a hub for the arts, with numerous museums, galleries, and theaters to explore.
London Higher has produced a Worldwide Education Strategy for London to “maximize London’s attraction in the international education market.” The document’s partners think it will boost the UK economy. The main recommendation is to appoint a London International Education Champion to collaborate with Sir Steve Smith, the UK’s chosen champion in 2020. The plan is meant to supplement the country’s International Education Strategy and will “guarantee that our capital keeps contributing to the growth of the country,” as Beech put it. It is also suggested to test out a new single pathway student visa that will “encourage” international students to continue their education past the undergraduate level and earn a master’s degree.
In addition, the Greater London Authority should allocate resources “to work on campaigns that not only promote the city and its opportunities specifically to international students,” guarantee that all international students have access to purpose-built student housing, and establish a service quality kitemark for London-wide providers of international education pathways.”
All of the report’s suggestions are growth-oriented, the partners noted, with an emphasis on “raising UK education exports, strengthening London’s R&D capabilities, and maintaining the transparency of information available to prospective overseas students and staff.”According to Bacon, the APPG’s 2022 report recommended that the Department of Education look into “potential extensions” to the Turing Scheme in order to “enthuse students from across the world, strengthen a pipeline of global talent,” and ultimately increase the city’s popularity.
In addition, Mary Stiasny and Nina Davies, chairs of London Higher’s International Network, said, “The International Education Strategy for London provides an important framework for how the UK Government, the London Mayor’s Office, and London higher education institutions can all work together to maintain and build upon London’s reputation as the world’s top study destination.”
The city’s universities also have strong links to industry, providing students with access to internships and job opportunities. This has made London a popular destination for students seeking to launch their careers after graduation. With its top-ranked universities, diverse culture, and strong industry links, it’s no surprise that London has been named the world’s top study destination. It is a city that offers something for everyone, and is sure to provide a memorable and enriching experience for students from around the globe.
As the universities and institutions in London are collaborating to push for change. If the city wants to stay competitive in the international student market, it must enhance its game.