Monday 29 September 2025

Natasha Chell (Partner and Head of Risk and Compliance) has been quoted in Times Higher Education in an article discussing the Government’s proposed international student fee levy on higher education institutions. The article, published on Friday 26 September 2025, estimates that the proposed 6% tax on universities income on international student fees could cost the UK economy £1.8 billion a year once the ‘gross value added’ by international students is factored into estimates.

Natasha commented:

‘The proposed levy risks sending a damaging signal to prospective international students at a time when the UK is actively competing to attract global talent. The levy flies in the face of the government’s objective to attract the brightest and best talent, while overlooking the vital contribution international students make to the economy and to the UK’s skills pipeline – including in shortage occupations.

At a moment when long-term immigration and labour market strategies depend on a steady inflow of skilled individuals, introducing a levy is not only disappointing but potentially harmful to one of the UK’s most successful export industries.’

You can read the full article here.