Universities Wales response to international student levy announcement

Responding to the announcement, Chair of Universities Wales Professor Elwen Evans, KC, said:

“This is welcome news from the Cabinet Secretary.

“International students make a significant economic contribution to Wales as well as enriching our courses, campuses and communities.

“The introduction of a levy – effectively an additional tax– would have had detrimental impact on Welsh universities. The levy would have increased the financial pressure the sector is under, affecting universities’ capacity to contribute to their local communities and potentially reducing the number of places available for Welsh and UK students.

“Today’s announcement is a clear message from Welsh Government that international students are welcome to study in Wales.”