UK is now one of the most attractive destinations for Indian students, says House of Lords member Karan Bilimoria

The United Kingdom has emerged as one of the most attractive overseas destinations for Indian students this year, feels Lord Karan Bilimoria, member of the UK House of Lords, former Chancellor of the University of Birmingham, and former co-chair of UK’s all-party Parliamentary group for international students.
“All stakeholders in the field of international education are very relieved with the reassurance from the Labour Party government in the UK about the two-year post-study work visa for international students. The previous Conservative government, under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, had tried to do away with the post-study visa or graduate route for international students,” Bilimoria told the Times of India in a recent interview.
He added that the UK’s secretary of state for education, Bridget Phillipson, has been encouraging international students to consider studying in the UK, highlighting the benefits of a UK education and the country’s post-study work opportunities.
“She has highlighted that we want and welcome international students. She has spoken about how international students educated at British universities are very important for our country. This message is very attractive for students from India and will make a big difference when they consider different international destinations for higher education,” Bilimoria said.
Phillipson, who was appointed secretary of state for education in July 2024; released a video message in January this year emphasising the UK’s welcoming stance towards international students and highlighting the value they bring to universities, communities, and the country.
She stressed the benefits of studying in the UK, including access to world-renowned research, a springboard to success in various fields, and opportunities for career development. She also mentioned the graduate route visa and the UK’s commitment to supporting international students in finding employment after graduation.
“Many students from India who have studied at universities in the UK have done very well in different fields. There is a lot of potential for many more high achievers, across the spectrum,” Bilimoria said. He added that the United Arab Emirates (UAE), too, is becoming a preferred destination for higher education for Indian students. “The bilateral trade between the UAE and India is booming and over 4 million Indians live and work there. The people-to-people ties are very strong and the global educational infrastructure in the UAE is growing and it is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for Indian students,” Bilimoria said.