University bodies have warned Rishi Sunak that any plans to curb record immigration by launching a crackdown on foreign students would be “an act of economic self-harm”.
International students may be barred from Britain unless they win a place at a top university under plans being considered.
The government also intends to bar foreign students coming to the UK to study “low quality degrees”, while new restrictions are also expected on students bringing family members with them after the number of dependents almost tripled in a year.
But the Russell Group, comprising Britain’s leading 24 universities, warned that proposals to limit international students would damage the economy and Britain’s reputation. It also said the move contradicts the government’s International Education Strategy, which was launched in
