Navigating the Challenges of International Student Compliance

The United Kingdom's higher education sector has long been a magnet for international students, with London alone hosting over 200,000 each year, generating a staggering £9.59 billion in net economic impact per cohort. However, recent years have seen growing concerns over the legitimacy of international education pathways, fueled by visa non-compliance, agent misconduct, and questions about graduate employability. Enter new leadership at London Higher, the influential membership body representing more than 50 universities and higher education providers across the capital. With Chief Executive Liz Hutchinson and Chair Professor Shitij Kapur at the helm, the organization is spearheading efforts to rebuild trust in the UK sector.

These leaders are not starting from scratch. Building on the foundations laid by former CEO Dr. Diana Beech, who recently penned a compelling call to action on restoring legitimacy, London Higher is positioning itself as a key advocate for quality assurance and transparent outcomes. As the UK rolls out stringent new regulations like the Red-Amber-Green (RAG) compliance system in June 2026, the stakes could not be higher for institutions reliant on international tuition fees.

Liz Hutchinson: A Strategic Communicator at the Forefront

Liz Hutchinson assumed the role of Chief Executive at London Higher in May 2025, bringing a wealth of experience in strategic communications and policy influence. Previously Director of Communications and Marketing at the British Academy and Director of Communications and Public Affairs at Goldsmiths, University of London, Hutchinson has navigated complex stakeholder landscapes throughout her career. Her appointment was hailed by Professor Amanda Broderick, then Chair of London Higher's Board, as ideal for championing London's global standing in higher education.

In her vision statement, Hutchinson emphasized expanding access to London's world-class education while fostering partnerships across business, government, and academia. 'I am determined to ensure that even more people are able to benefit from the world-class education and experiences this vibrant city has to offer,' she stated. Under her guidance, London Higher has amplified its voice on international issues, including responses to visa restrictions and campaigns like #WeAreInternational, which highlight the positive contributions of global students.

Professor Shitij Kapur: Championing International Advocacy

Complementing Hutchinson's leadership is Professor Shitij Kapur, elected Chair in July 2025. As Vice-Chancellor and President of King's College London, Kapur is a renowned psychiatrist whose research has advanced treatments for schizophrenia. A vocal advocate for international students, he has stressed the integral role of higher education in London's economy and culture. 'This is the time to reinforce our purpose, our contributions, our impact,' Kapur declared upon his appointment, signaling a proactive stance amid sector scrutiny.

Kapur's global perspective, honed as Dean at the University of Melbourne, positions him to bridge UK institutions with international partners. Together, this duo is mobilizing London Higher's network to address legitimacy concerns head-on, from compliance training to employer collaborations.

The Legitimacy Crisis: Visa Compliance and RAG Ratings

At the heart of the trust erosion is the UK Home Office's shift to a RAG rating system for student sponsor compliance, effective June 2026. This replaces the Basic Compliance Assessment (BCA) with metrics on visa refusal rates, student enrolment shortfalls, and course completion. Institutions rated 'Red' face sponsor licence revocation risks, while 'Amber' signals heightened scrutiny. Early drafts suggest narrow compliance bands, potentially disrupting recruitment for even top universities.

Non-compliance issues, including rogue agents promising guaranteed visas and high dropout rates, have tarnished the sector's reputation. In 2025, reports highlighted £60 million in taxpayer losses from student loan fraud linked to bogus enrolments. London Higher is responding with guidance on agent vetting and robust sponsorship practices, urging members to prioritize quality over volume.

Learn more about the proposed framework in this ICEF Monitor analysis.

Dr. Diana Beech's Blueprint for Renewal

Former CEO Diana Beech's March 31, 2026, article in The PIE News provides a roadmap echoed by current leaders. Arguing that employability rhetoric no longer suffices amid economic stagnation, Beech calls for 'employment delivery'—guaranteed placements, visa-compliant jobs, and transparent data. She proposes mayoral-backed accreditation schemes, akin to the London Living Wage, to certify regional graduate pipelines.

International students, paying premium fees, demand structured outcomes over an '18-month game of chance' post-graduation. Beech warns of political backlash if failures mount, urging regional employer-led models. Her insights, drawn from policy roles at HEPI and as a government adviser, resonate with London Higher's push for civic partnerships. Read the full piece here.

Photo by Mathias Reding on Unsplash

London Higher's Proactive Initiatives

London Higher's International Higher Education Strategy for London outlines lobbying on immigration, recruitment, and transnational education (TNE)—programs delivered overseas by UK providers. Recent efforts include opposing dependant visa bans for postgraduate taught (PGT) students and advocating post-study work visa reviews. The #WeAreInternational campaign showcases student stories, countering negative narratives.

• Events like 'Powering London' highlight universities' role in growth via people, place, and knowledge.
• Submissions to government consultations emphasize London's openness to global talent.
• Collaborations with the Greater London Authority promote the city as a safe study destination.

Economic Stakes and Statistical Snapshot

International students underpin UK higher education finances, with numbers hitting 600,000 by 2030—a target met early. In London, they fuel tech, life sciences, and creative industries. Yet, overreliance exposes vulnerabilities: 2025 saw deficits at nearly half of English universities amid visa curbs.

Restoring legitimacy safeguards this £40+ billion export industry.

Welcoming the International Education Strategy 2026

London Higher applauded the government's January 2026 strategy, which aims to grow education exports while enhancing quality. Recommendations include nationwide signaling of UK openness and partnerships with London & Partners. However, reconciling growth ambitions with immigration controls remains key, especially as US declines boost UK opportunities.

Details on the strategy are available via the official publication.

Pathways Forward: Partnerships and Accreditation

Under new leadership, London Higher prioritizes employer collaborations for placements and graduate tracking. Piloting regional accreditation could verify visa-compliant roles, aligning with local priorities like net-zero transitions. Training on RAG metrics equips providers to maintain 'Green' status, minimizing refusals below 10% thresholds.

• Step 1: Audit agent networks for ethical practices.
• Step 2: Integrate compliance into recruitment funnels.
• Step 3: Forge mayoral-endorsed employment pipelines.
• Benefits: Enhanced trust, reduced dropouts, sustained revenue.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Real-World Impacts

Universities like King's and Goldsmiths praise the leadership duo's focus. Business leaders, per London Higher surveys, value global graduates for innovation. Students seek assurances amid RAG fears, with agents adapting to stricter rules. Critics note urgency: 'Chaos' looms if unprepared, per Times Higher Education.

Case study: King's College London, under Kapur, expanded intl partnerships, boosting compliance scores and employability rates to 95% within six months of graduation.

Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

Outlook: A Resilient Sector Ahead

With Hutchinson and Kapur steering, London Higher eyes 2026 as a pivot year. By embedding compliance, delivering outcomes, and leveraging IES, the UK can reclaim international education leadership. Challenges persist—visa caps, economic headwinds—but proactive measures promise renewed trust. For providers, students, and the economy, the message is clear: legitimacy through action.

Explore London Higher's full response here.