UUK has welcomed further details from the UK Government on its proposed Turing scheme for students to
work and study abroad.
Vivienne Stern, Director, Universities UK International,
said:
“While we are
obviously disappointed that the UK will no longer be part of the Erasmus
scheme, it is significant that the government has committed to a generously
funded scheme despite current economic pressures.
“The new Turing
scheme is a fantastic development and will provide global opportunities for up
to 35,000 UK students to study and work abroad. It is a good investment in the
future of students - not only those in universities but in schools and colleges
who will also benefit
“A priority
will be working with international counterparts on the funding of inbound
students, who won’t be covered by the scheme. Inbound exchange students
contributed £440 million to the UK economy in 2018 and there are real concerns
about whether the UK will see a decrease outside of the Erasmus scheme.
“Take up of
mobility opportunities by UK students is low by international standards, so we
have a lot of work to do to ensure that students and universities make the most
of the new scheme. Evidence shows that students who have international
experience tend to do better academically and in employment, and the benefits
are greatest for those who are least advantaged.”
ENDS
Notes
Universities UK (UUK) is the collective voice of 140
universities in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Its mission
is to create the conditions for UK universities to be the best in
the world; maximising
their positive impact locally, nationally and globally. Universities UK
acts on behalf of universities, represented by their heads of institution.
Visit: www.universitiesuk.ac.uk.
