23 May 2024

"We welcome today’s announcement that the Graduate Route will remain in place.

"A competitive post-study work offer is crucial to our ability to compete as a study destination, which in turn drives opportunity and economic growth. In Wales, we have a lower proportion of graduates in our workforce which also makes it a particularly important tool in addressing our skills needs.

"Welsh Government has been clear about the positive social, cultural and economic contribution international students make to Wales, and we appreciate the constructive way in which we work with them on these issues.

"While the MAC review was clear that there is no evidence of abuse of the Graduate Route, we are committed to working as a sector on this new package of measures to ensure that we maintain a high level of trust and confidence in the way our universities recruit and support international students.

"For a sector that’s grappling with challenges around financial sustainability and declining international recruitment, today’s announcement has brought much-needed clarity. It is now vital that we work positively to deliver a sustainable, outward-looking university sector, and continue to provide a warm and inclusive welcome for all those choosing to study at Welsh universities."