Jacqui Smith has urged UK universities to prioritise quality over “bums on seats” if they want to convince all of government of the value of international students. 

The skills minister said that she had repeatedly praised the “enormous importance” of higher education and international students since taking office – as has education secretary Bridget Phillipson.

“The impact of higher education is so important not only to our UK prospects but of course in terms of the impact across the world, as well.

“You contribute hugely to this country, to our academic and cultural life as well as to our society and economy.”

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But speaking at the International Higher Education Forum 2026, she acknowledged that the “sector worries about whether the whole government shares this view, particularly…the Home Office”.

From next month, the Home Office is to enact new stricter compliance metrics for universities enrolling foreign students – with many universities fearing being caught out.

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And with a manifesto commitment to reduce net migration, Smith admitted there are “competing priorities” within Keir Starmer’s government.

To keep the entirety of the Cabinet onside and to help Smith and staff in the Department for Education to “make that case to our colleagues in the Home Office”, Smith urged delegates to demonstrate the breadth of benefits of international students.

In addition, she told universities to be careful not to “do things that frankly look as if the priority is money and bums on seats rather than quality”.

“That undermines the message that we are sending, that this is actually beneficial both internationally and to UK universities.”

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Smith said the government is clear that it wants overseas students – from either Europe or beyond – to be both globally competitive and aligned with immigration and skills priorities.

“The world renown of UK higher education is both a badge of pride and a responsibility for the sector to uphold.

“It’s a responsibility to maintain that high reputation, to make sure that high-quality, capable students are admitted to courses that serve them well, allowing them to tell others of the fantastic education they received.

“And that of course means not allowing lower standards of entry to open a backdoor route around the immigration system, undermining the legitimacy and scholarship of the vast majority of international students.”

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Smith also  by Rachel Wolf, chief executive of the consultancy Public First, who warned that the public is increasingly sceptical of universities’ international strategies.

“Given the growing political mood of scepticism about lots of elements of the state…everybody who cares about UK higher education should be thinking about its reputation and should be thinking about how they demonstrate its contribution to the UK.”

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patrick.jack@timeshighereducation.com