Abstract:

UK politics have become increasingly hostile towards migration, with international students caught within rising populist narratives. This places UK Higher Education (HE) in a precarious financial and reputational position. This study investigates how political debates, media, and informal networks shape international students’ political stances on international student migration. Drawing on 24 interviews and a focus group at a post-92 university, we examine student’s reasoning behind studying in the UK and how immigration politics influenced those decisions. We analyse student reactions to politicians’ statements and news articles to understand how they interpret and internalise political rhetoric.

We find that students mirror political discourse by discerning between international students who are “deserving” or “undeserving”, and draw on pragmatic pro or antiimmigration storylines framed by discursive categories such as economics, quality, culture, and resources. Social media influencers—especially those sharing identities as international students—play a role in shaping these storylines, along with personal and religious networks. Notably absent is any substantial influence from universities themselves. We also find differences between undergraduate and postgraduate students, with the latter more sensitive to political rhetoric and policy change.

Please choose your submission type: Developmental Paper

Primary Track: Knowledge and Learning

Keywords: global education system;Higher Education Institutions;sustainable future

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Dr. Francisca Da Gama