Levy on international students' tuition fees is a controversial move, says leader of top UK university. The vice-chancellor of the University of Manchester, Duncan Ivison, argues that a proposed 6% surcharge on international students' fees is detrimental to the UK's higher education sector and its global reputation. Ivison believes that the UK has the potential to become a leading global destination for international students, especially with the current challenges faced by Canadian and US institutions. However, he warns that the levy will harm the sector's ability to attract the best and brightest, as it will increase costs for universities and potentially lead to financial strain. The University of Manchester, with its diverse student body from over 160 countries, is particularly vulnerable to this financial burden. Ivison suggests that there are better ways to fund support for students, and he questions the government's approach, urging ministers to reconsider the levy's implementation. The potential impact on universities' finances and the sector's long-term sustainability is a cause for concern, as international students play a crucial role in funding higher education in the UK.
