The SU welcomes MS Vikki Howells, the Minister for Further and Higher Educaiton in the Welsh Senedd to speak about international student wellbeing
The University of South Wales Students’ Union (USWSU) recently welcomed Vikki Howells MS, Minister for Higher and Further Education, to Treforest Campus for an important and timely discussion focused on the international student experience in Wales.
Following a visit to USW’s world-class Aerospace Centre, the Minister joined staff and students at the Students’ Union to engage directly with a group of international students. The session centred on international student wellbeing and provided an open forum for students to share their experiences of studying at USW and living in Wales.
The discussion was chaired by USWSU President, Irfan, and offered a valuable opportunity for meaningful dialogue between students and government. A number of key topics were explored during the session, including recent immigration policy changes, tuition fees and scholarship support for international students, graduate employment opportunities, community building and integration, and the recognition of UK degrees following Brexit. Students were able to raise questions, voice concerns, and highlight both challenges and positive experiences, contributing to a constructive and insightful exchange.
The session took place in the Students’ Union’s newly opened SU Lounge, Cwtch, a welcoming space funded through Medr. Since opening, Cwtch has quickly become a central and well-used facility for students, providing an ideal setting for important conversations around belonging, inclusion and support.
The visit formed part of a wider ministerial visit to USW’s Pontypridd campus, during which Vikki Howells reaffirmed that Wales will not introduce the international student levy outlined in the recent Autumn Budget. Instead, the Minister emphasised Wales’s commitment to remaining open and welcoming to students from around the world.
“We want to send a clear message that Wales is open, inclusive, and committed to providing an outstanding student experience,” the Minister said. She highlighted the vital role international students play in Welsh higher education, noting their contribution not only to the economy, but also to cultural diversity and global perspectives across campuses and communities.
Speaking after the visit, USWSU President Irfan reflected on the importance of the discussion and the opportunity for students’ voices to be heard at a policy level. Having chaired the session, he highlighted the value of open dialogue around recent immigration and education policy changes, as well as the significant academic, cultural and economic contribution international students make to the USW community and to Wales more broadly.
He also welcomed the continued investment in student-focused initiatives, adding:
“We are extremely grateful for the support provided through Medr and Taith funding, which plays a crucial role in enhancing the student experience. Investment like this allows us to create inclusive spaces such as Cwtch and to develop initiatives that help students connect, thrive and feel supported throughout their time at USW.”
Wales continues to position itself as an attractive destination for global study, with interest growing particularly among students from India and the United States. According to HESA data, Wales was home to nearly 28,000 international students in the 2023/24 academic year, with the University of South Wales hosting the largest number.
USWSU is proud to have facilitated this important discussion and remains committed to representing and supporting international students, ensuring they feel welcome, valued and at home at USW and across Wales.