International students in London are warning they may be forced to abandon their studies if tuition fees rise.
The government is considering a 6% levy on overseas student fees to help fund maintenance grants for domestic students. But critics say the move would amount to a tax on the UK’s education exports.
Manou, a 20-year-old dance student from Belgium at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, says she would have to return home if the extra costs are passed on. She said: “I won’t be able to finish my degree… it’s my dream job.”
Student leaders warn the levy could be the “tipping point” for many, with international pupils already struggling to afford fees without access to UK student finance. Trinity Laban estimates the policy could cost the conservatoire 500,000 pounds a year.
London Higher, which represents universities across the capital, says the levy could strip 220 million pounds from institutions and damage the city’s reputation as a global education hub.
The Department for Education insists the measure will put universities on a firmer financial footing, but campaigners argue it risks undermining diversity and international talent in the UK’s higher education sector.
