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Wales has decided not to impose a levy on international student tuition fees, setting itself apart from the UK government’s move to apply a similar charge in England. The announcement ends speculation over whether the devolved administration would follow Westminster’s plan to tax overseas education revenue.
“We’re not seeking to moderate overseas student demand in this way and indeed we really welcome international students,” she said. “We want our international students to continue to feel welcomed for the positive social and cultural and economic contributions they make in Wales, and we’re very keen to ensure that that continues so there will not be a levy in Wales,” said Education Secretary Lynne Neagle while addressing the Senedd, as reported by Times Higher Education.
The decision comes after the UK Labour government confirmed a 6% levy on fees paid by international students to English universities. The move, aimed at funding maintenance grants for domestic students, has drawn strong opposition from universities, which warn it could deepen financial pressures and cost the sector about £620 million annually.
The policy applies only in England unless devolved governments choose to adopt it. By opting out, Wales has underscored its independent stance and reinforced its message of being open and welcoming to overseas students.
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Elwen Evans, chair of Universities Wales and vice-chancellor of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, said the decision sends a “clear message” that international students remain valued. “International students make a significant economic contribution to Wales as well as enriching our courses, campuses and communities,” she said. “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.”
With this announcement, Wales positions itself as a distinct voice within the UK’s higher education landscape, prioritising international engagement over additional financial controls.
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“We’re not seeking to moderate overseas student demand in this way and indeed we really welcome international students,” she said. “We want our international students to continue to feel welcomed for the positive social and cultural and economic contributions they make in Wales, and we’re very keen to ensure that that continues so there will not be a levy in Wales,” said Education Secretary Lynne Neagle while addressing the Senedd, as reported by Times Higher Education.
The decision comes after the UK Labour government confirmed a 6% levy on fees paid by international students to English universities. The move, aimed at funding maintenance grants for domestic students, has drawn strong opposition from universities, which warn it could deepen financial pressures and cost the sector about £620 million annually.
The policy applies only in England unless devolved governments choose to adopt it. By opting out, Wales has underscored its independent stance and reinforced its message of being open and welcoming to overseas students.
(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)
Elwen Evans, chair of Universities Wales and vice-chancellor of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, said the decision sends a “clear message” that international students remain valued. “International students make a significant economic contribution to Wales as well as enriching our courses, campuses and communities,” she said. “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.”
With this announcement, Wales positions itself as a distinct voice within the UK’s higher education landscape, prioritising international engagement over additional financial controls.
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