UK will be missing out on overseas students | Letters

You report that the chancellor has, once again, told the Indians that "there is no quota, no limits, no restrictions on Indian students applying to British universities" and that "90% of Indian students who apply for a student visa, get a student visa" (Britain is open to Indians, says Hammond, 5 April).

All of that is (nearly) correct so, all must wonder, what is the problem? But it is far from the full story and does not explain why the numbers have shrunk so dramatically. As one hopes government ministers understand - and as Indians clearly do understand - the real reason why such a high proportion obtain visas is that far fewer apply for them in the first place, believing that the rules and restrictions are now so strict and the entitlements (especially to part-time and post-study work) so limited, that far fewer believe they will qualify or that the UK is the right destination for them. Unless those issues are adequately and honestly addressed, it is, sadly, unlikely that the numbers will again rise and contribute, as many believe is so essential, to an expanded relationship with India.
Dominic Scott
Chief executive, UK Council for International Student Affairs