International Office Statement

The University of Edinburgh is committed to providing a positive living and learning environment for our global student community and we will continue to work in partnership with EUSA and a range of partners to deliver this. Our global staff and student community make a significant cultural, academic and economic contribution to our University, community and country.

As part of the delivering a high quality international student experience the University remains actively involved in discussions focused on delivering enhanced post study work opportunities for international students in the UK and Scotland. The Smith Commission, established late last year to agree new powers to be devolved to the Scottish Parliament, has taken the view that the Scottish and UK Governments should work together to explore a potential scheme to allow international students to remain in Scotland for a defined period of time after graduation and contribute to economic activity.

The University has representation in the Scottish Government’s Post Study Work Group which is considering the impact the closure of the post-study work route has had on Scottish businesses and education. The group is developing proposals for how a new post-study work visa could operate in Scotland and will report its findings by the end of March this year. The University recognises the value of post study work opportunities for our students and this is highlighted by the fact that Edinburgh is one of only a very small number of UK universities who have committed to offering our international graduates opportunities via both the graduate entrepreneur route and the Doctoral Extension Scheme.

The University of Edinburgh continues to undertake a very active role in discussions and consultations relating to international students working closely with the Home Office, Russell Group, Universities UK, Universities Scotland, UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) and other relevant stakeholders. Currently, the University is involved at a national level in discussions relating to biometric identification documents, the landlord ‘right to rent’ scheme and the international student journey to ensure that the interests of international students are represented and that we contribute to creating a positive living and learning experience here in Edinburgh and the UK. University Secretary Director, International Office