CEREDIGION MP Mark Williams has called for plans to restrict international student numbers to be scrapped amid fears it could have a negative effect on Aberystwyth University.

Under plans outlined by Home Secretary Amber Rudd last month, the UK government plans to make access to UK universities more difficult in a bid to lower migrant numbers, and to crackdown on students “abusing” the work visa system.

Aberystwyth University has nearly 600 non-EU students from over 60 countries, bringing in over £20m in tuition fees over the course of the students’ lives in the town.

With fears of EU student numbers falling amid Brexit, a further drop in non-EU students could harm the university’s finances further as it continues to embark on a recovery plan which has seen hundreds of jobs lost and services cut in a bid to save money.

The government’s proposals would limit the number of international students by tying them to a given institution and the supposed quality of the course.

Mr Williams said: “There are real worries throughout the Higher Education sector about this move, as well as here in Ceredigion.

“In Aberystwyth we benefit from 526 non-EU students from 62 countries, all of whom make a huge contribution to the university and to community life in Aberystwyth and the surrounding area."

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