Amidst concerns raised about admissions standards for international students in UK universities, a comprehensive review has been conducted to address these allegations. The review, commissioned by Universities UK and carried out by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), has concluded that there are “no concerns” regarding claims that universities are lowering entry requirements for international students applying to foundation courses. These findings come after accusations suggesting universities were recruiting overseas students, who pay higher fees, by diluting academic requirements.
The QAA’s review determined that entry requirements for international students are generally equivalent to those for UK students on comparable courses. However, the review did identify a difference in resit opportunities, with international students on foundation programmes having more chances to retake exams compared to their A-level or Scottish Higher counterparts. This disparity has prompted recommendations for standardizing assessment practices and ensuring fair treatment across all student populations.
Universities UK, representing 142 institutions, commissioned the QAA to conduct the review in February. The QAA assessed programs at 34 universities that volunteered to participate. The findings indicated no deviation from published entry requirements for international programs, which were found to be similar to those for UK students.
The review has provided a clearer picture of university admissions standards, highlighting the robust and consistent criteria applied to both international and domestic students. However, the additional resit opportunities for international students have raised further scrutiny and the need for standardized practices to ensure fairness across all students. The QAA has recommended that universities regularly assess the progression rates of international students compared to domestic students, ensuring that all students have an equitable chance to succeed.
The review’s findings are significant for maintaining confidence in fair university admissions processes. Universities UK has acknowledged the need for “swift action” in certain areas and will be updating its code of practice for fair admissions. While the review addressed concerns regarding entry standards, it has also underscored the importance of addressing the disparity in resit opportunities and ensuring a level playing field for all students.
