Written question WQ83394

In Wales, we recognise the contribution that international students bring to our communities and we welcome students from across the globe and value the diversity they bring to our universities. Students, and particularly international students, have experienced many unique challenges as a consequence of the pandemic. During this time our priority has been all students, ensuring they have been adequately and properly supported throughout the pandemic through targeted support.

Over the past year we provided additional funding of £50m, through HEFCW, to help our universities in providing additional support to students affected by the impacts of the pandemic. This included £10m to provide increased support to students facing financial, emotional or mental health difficulties and £40m specifically to address student hardship. Any student, irrespective of their background or circumstances, can experience difficulties and this funding was made available for any student seeking such support, including our international students.

The funding was in addition to the £27m allocated to HEFCW to enable them to establish a Higher Education Investment and Recovery Fund, designed to support the sector in mitigating the effects of the pandemic and support wider economic recovery. Some of the projects supported through this fund included activities specifically aimed at supporting international students, for example providing accommodation and funding to ensure safe and supported quarantine arrangements for those required to quarantine on arrival.

Additional capital funding of £44m was also allocated to bolster capital investment by universities. Capital investment by our institutions is critical to securing and maintaining high quality provision and standards within the Welsh sector ensuring students continue to receive excellent teaching and learning and a positive student experience.