UK Must Be Genuinely Welcoming to Indian Students: Ian Crichton on Post-COVID Trends, Competition with US

The US remains a strong option due to its university reputation and job opportunities, particularly in tech and business. However, political rhetoric, especially around immigration, is making Indian students and their families hesitant.

Ian Crichton, CEO of Study Group, discusses the strategic collaboration with the University of Huddersfield and the launch of its London campus. He shares insights on the significance of this expansion, its impact on international students, and how it aligns with evolving global education trends. He also addresses the challenges and opportunities for Indian students in the UK, post-COVID trends, and competition with the US as a study destination.

Q: How do you see the trend of Indian students going abroad, particularly in the post-COVID era?

Crichton: Indian students have always been interested in studying abroad, with a tradition that dates back to the country’s early years. The trend peaked two years ago when Indian students surpassed Chinese students as the top demographic in the UK. However, the UK government introduced restrictions on bringing dependents, which significantly impacted postgraduate enrollment.

Indians are highly sensitive to how they are welcomed in foreign countries, and last year, we saw a reaction to the perceived unfriendliness of UK policies. The relationship between India and the UK is also shifting—India is rising as a global power, while the UK is in a phase of economic rebalancing.

Q: The UK education minister recently spoke about welcoming international students, particularly from India. How do you see this shift?

Crichton: Yes, the UK government changed last year, and the new administration recognizes the importance of international students. However, policy shifts have been slower than expected, and key issues, such as restrictions on postgraduate dependents, remain unresolved.

One major issue is that student migration is often lumped into broader immigration debates. Many British people don’t realize that the largest rise in immigration in recent years has been due to international students, who significantly contribute to the economy. Since Brexit, UK universities have had to attract more international students to compensate for the decline in European enrollments. However, this increase is often misrepresented as a general surge in immigration.

Q: With concerns growing about the US as a study destination, should the UK capitalize on this opportunity to become the top choice for Indian students?

Crichton: There simply aren’t enough top-quality universities in India to accommodate all talented students, so many must go abroad. The UK, US, Canada, and Australia remain the primary destinations.

The US remains a strong option due to its university reputation and job opportunities, particularly in tech and business. However, political rhetoric, especially around immigration, is making Indian students and their families hesitant. Despite this, top US universities continue to offer excellent opportunities, and safety measures at institutions like Florida Atlantic University ensure a secure environment.

Canada has become more expensive and faces diplomatic tensions with India, while Australia has long been a preferred destination but faces its own immigration challenges. Given India's historic ties with the UK, the country remains a key study destination, provided it maintains a welcoming stance toward international students.

Q: What should the UK do to attract more Indian students?

Crichton: The UK needs to be genuinely welcoming and actively engage with international students. Institutions like HUDs London exemplify this approach by fostering a diverse, global campus. HUDs has a strong reputation for employability, ensuring students gain industry exposure alongside academics.

A key aspect Indian students should consider is whether universities prioritize industry integration. HUDs, for instance, mandates that all students engage with industry as part of their education. We’ve also appointed a Director of Industry and Engagement to ensure students receive career guidance and networking opportunities.

In London, students benefit from proximity to major financial and business hubs, which is particularly valuable for those pursuing business, finance, or computing degrees. Additionally, the student experience—both academically and socially—is crucial. Universities aren’t just about degrees; they should offer a holistic experience that includes peer learning and personal growth.

Q: Are there any tie-ups with Indian universities?

Crichton: Not at the moment, as the initial focus is on direct collaborations with HUDs. However, the university maintains high academic standards, with programs accredited by organizations like AACSB.

HUDs ranks high for employability, and its London campus offers industry-oriented programs tailored for international students. The university’s location in London provides an immersive experience, combining academic excellence with access to top global employers.

Q: Study Group has had a long-standing partnership with the University of Huddersfield. What makes this expansion to London significant?

Crichton: Our partnership with the University of Huddersfield started in 2008 and has been highly successful over the years. The launch of the University of Huddersfield – London campus is a natural progression, bringing the institution to a global financial hub. London consistently ranks as the world’s top student city, offering unparalleled academic and professional opportunities. This expansion allows us to cater to the increasing demand for business-focused postgraduate education, particularly among international students who value industry exposure alongside academics.

Q: How does this new campus differentiate itself from other business education offerings in London?

Crichton: Unlike many institutions that offer standard business degrees, the University of Huddersfield – London campus takes a more integrated approach by embedding real-world industry experience into its programs. The curriculum is developed in collaboration with multinational companies, ensuring that students gain relevant, job-ready skills. Our teaching staff bring strong industry experience, and the university’s Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) further reflects its commitment to high-quality education.

Q: What programs will be offered at the London campus?

Crichton: We are initially launching postgraduate programs in Management, International Business, Computing, and Marketing. These fields are in high demand among international students, particularly those from India, who are looking for career-oriented education with a strong focus on employability, networking, and work experience. The programs are designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in the global job market.

Q: London is already home to several top universities. What makes it an attractive destination for international students?

Crichton: London offers a unique combination of academic excellence, cultural diversity, and career opportunities. Being a global financial and business hub, the city provides direct access to employers, networking events, and internship opportunities. Studying in London means being at the center of innovation and professional growth, which is invaluable for students looking to build international careers. The University of Huddersfield – London campus is positioned to give students the best of both worlds—world-class education and immediate industry exposure.

Q: How does this expansion align with employment and postgraduate opportunities in the UK?

Crichton: The UK’s Graduate Route, or Post-Study Work Visa, allows international students to stay for up to two years (three years for PhD graduates) after completing their studies. This is a significant advantage, as it gives graduates the chance to gain work experience and transition into long-term career opportunities. London’s job market is particularly strong in finance, technology, and creative industries, and our programs are designed to connect students with these opportunities. The University of Huddersfield’s QS 5-Star rating for employability is a testament to its focus on career readiness.

Q: What has the response been like so far, and what are the future plans for the London campus?

Crichton: We’ve already seen strong interest from international students for the September 2025 intake. Initially, we’re focusing on key postgraduate programs, but we plan to expand based on demand and emerging industry trends. We’re also looking at further collaborations with global businesses to enhance industry engagement. Study Group’s expertise in international education, combined with the University of Huddersfield’s commitment to employability, positions this partnership for long-term success.

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