Kent welcomes new Education Secretary's comments on international students

At the Education Embassy Conference in London on Tuesday 23 July, the Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson set out her approach to international students, saying ‘Be in no doubt: international students are welcome in the UK. This new government values their contribution – to our universities, to our communities, to our country.’

Responding to this speech, Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Georgina Randsley de Moura said: ‘We were delighted to hear the comments from the new UK Government Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, that international students are very welcome in the UK. We believe this is an important step towards reversing the previous negative rhetoric around international students that threatened the reputation and future of UK higher education.’

‘We have always welcomed overseas students to the University and are pleased that the new Government recognises the value they bring. Our staff, students and local community all benefit from their fresh perspectives, knowledge and ambition, and the ways they enrich our culturally diverse campuses. They also open doors to an international network of other students, alumni and businesses.

‘We have had thousands of exceptional international students from over 100 countries study with us over the years and we look forward to welcoming many more in the future.’

Read Bridget Phillipson’s full speech.