This is the second article in a two-part series focused on international students. Our first article looked at recent visa restrictions for international students, which could reduce the numbers of students coming to Wales to study.
This article looks at the support international students receive while studying in Wales and explore concerns about how their needs are being met.
Meeting the needs of international students
With the financial and cultural benefits that international students can bring, making Wales an attractive destination for global learners has been a priority for both the higher and further education sector in Wales and the Welsh Government.
The Global Wales programme (a partnership between Universities Wales, ColegauCymru, the Welsh Government, British Council Wales, and the Commission for Tertiary Education) provides a “strategic, collaborative approach to international higher education and further education in Wales”. One of the programme’s objectives is to “increase student numbers from priority international markets”, which includes Europe, North America, India and Vietnam.
While seeking to actively attract students, concerns have been raised around the treatment of, and support offered to, them and their families while they study in Wales.
In 2022, the Children, Young People and Education Committee’s inquiry into mental health support in higher education received evidence from international students and organisations. It highlighted a “disconnection between the promises that may be made to some students prior to them moving to Wales, and the reality of what is available on arrival”.
The Committee heard from organisations including the Centre for Mental Health, Royal College of Psychiatrists, and Student Minds who said there is a “higher prevalence of mental health issues within the international student community” and they are less likely to disclose they are having these issues.
Families face additional challenges
The Committee were particularly concerned about the “promises made in relation to accommodation” and the additional challenges facing students who are accompanied by family members.
In letters to the Welsh Government and Welsh Universities in July 2023, the Committee highlighted that some “students and their families are currently facing destitution in Wales” and that “because of their immigration status they have no recourse to public funds (NRPF)” (a person who is subject to immigration control cannot claim public funds).
They noted that access to free school meals can vary across local authorities and called on the Welsh Government to confirm what steps it could take to ensure local authorities provide this support.
Research conducted by the Bevan Foundation found that international students face significant study costs which can lead to destitution. Its 2024 report highlights a lack of suitable affordable accommodation which can affect international students’ ability to support themselves financially. It found that when “helped to apply for support such as free school meals or help from food banks, some reported that they were unable to pass financial assessments”.
Responses
Responding to the Committee’s report, Universities Wales acknowledged the important role that universities play “in supporting international students to navigate life in Wales, through the promotion of spaces and structures providing information on key areas such as access to healthcare, accommodation, transport, and advice on finances”. It said:
“[Universities Wales’] International Network has committed to agreeing a set of principles for international recruitment including the expectations on signposting, engagement with local partners and provision of advice and guidance”.
Universities Wales also highlighted that as part of their visa requirements international students should be able to demonstrate they have a certain level of funding to support themselves financially during their study.
The University of South Wales said it encouraged international students not to bring dependants and said they had an “internal escalation protocol to help students who maybe struggling to find accommodation”.
Cardiff Metropolitan University has adopted a similar approach and informs “international applicants of the high demand for privately rented accommodation in Cardiff”. It recommends alternative options, like student halls which it clarifies is not suitable for families.
Visa changes: the impact on student welfare
Welsh universities say, along with their established principles, they prioritise ethical and sustainable recruitment and adhere to the Agent Quality Framework to ensure accurate information for potential students. Universities Wales says:
These have a focus on promoting ethical and sustainable recruitment practices and ensuring students receive the support they need. As part of this, all our universities are also signed up to the Agent Quality Framework, which sets out best practice in working with agents to ensure appropriate information is provided to potential students.
Addressing the Committee’s concerns about the wellbeing of international students, the then Minister for Education and the Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles MS, highlighted the International Network’s efforts in developing principles for international recruitment. He also acknowledged that upcoming visa changes, effective in 2024, would alleviate some issues related to students bringing families.
Despite these efforts and visa changes, international students still face difficulties in Wales. In May 2024, the BBC reported that some “international students in Wales were sleeping rough on campuses after struggling to find housing”. It also reported that the BAME Mental Health Service in Swansea which supports international students, said it had been inundated with requests for help.
While immigration is not devolved, the higher and further education sector falls under the Welsh Government and other organisations in Wales. The Bevan Foundation has called for further research to understand how universities in Wales support this crucial student cohort, which significantly contributes to their income.
Article by Asmaa Alfar, Senedd Research, Welsh Parliament
Senedd Research acknowledges the parliamentary fellowship provided to Asmaa Alfar by WISERD which enabled this article to be completed.
