Reform UK pledges to end ‘preferential treatment’ and loaning to overseas students

Foreign nationals would be barred from accessing UK government-backed student loans under plans announced by Reform UK, the party announced on May 1 2026.

Foreign nationals borrowed more than £4 billion in student loans in 2024-25.

The policy, outlined by Reform’s education spokesperson Suella Braverman, would end eligibility for prospective students with settled status who have lived in Britain for at least three years before starting university. Currently, such individuals can access tuition fee and maintenance loans on the same basis as British citizens.

Braverman made the announcement in an article for The Telegraph, arguing that the existing system is “rigged against British students who are forced to the back of their own queue”. She claims universities are “selling immigration, not education” and that billions of pounds in loans to foreign nationals are never repaid.

Government figures obtained through freedom of information requests show foreign nationals borrowed more than £4 billion in student loans in 2024-25, up from £3.24 billion in 2021-22. Braverman highlighted the increase as evidence of systemic abuse.

The policy forms part of Reform UK’s wider push on immigration and higher education

Helen Packer

The former Home Secretary also critised what she described as “preferential treatment” for overseas students, including allegedly lower entry requirements at some institutions. She says a Reform government would end such practices.

The policy forms part of Reform UK’s wider push on immigration and higher education.

In April, Braverman questioned ministers in Parliament about “foreign students claiming fraudulent student loans”, describing levels as at a “record high”. She argued the issue costs British taxpayers millions that instead could support domestic students.

Minister for Children and Families, Josh MacAlister, responded that the government takes the matter “extremely seriously”. He attributed problems partly to the legacy of previous Conservative administrations, including the introduction of the Plan 2 loan system during Braverman’s time in government.

Braverman took on the education brief for Reform in Feburary 2026. At the time, she criticised universities for failing young people and noted that UK graduates carry average debts of around £50,000.

The policy forms part of Reform UK’s wider push on immigration and higher education ahead of future elections.

It remains to be seen how the party would implement the ban, particularly regarding students with settled status or dual nationality.