As international students ourselves, we’re working hard at KCLSU to make sure the interests of our international student members are represented. We recently worked with King's to make a joint written submission to the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for International Students. This is a group of UK parliamentarians looking at issues which affect international students and UK education.

Together with KCL, we made the case to the government for:

• Removing international students from the net migration target
• Increasing the length of time international students from outside the EEA are allowed to stay in the UK after graduation to find work from 4 months to 6 months or even 1 year
• Creating the role of Minister for International Education to show commitment to and implement a comprehensive international education strategy
• Extending the Tier 4 visa pilot scheme, which allows Masters students on a course of 13 months or less to submit fewer documents for their Tier 4 visa application, and to stay in the UK for 6 months rather than 4 months after graduation

It remains to be seen what the APPG will say and what the government will do about it, but we’re proud to have played a part in lobbying for a better deal for international students. You can read our full submission here.