'I won't be able to finish my degree if international fees go up'

""When I came to London I felt at ease. This was my place," says 20-year-old Manou, who moved from Belgium to study at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in south-east London three years ago. But the contemporary dance student says she won't be able to complete her degree if the costs of a proposed 6% levy on overseas student tuition fees are passed to her."

"The government plans to introduce the new tax to help pay for means-tested maintenance grants for domestic students, which it said would help break down barriers. The Institute for Fiscal Studies estimates the levy could raise close to 600m per year but warns the government should be clear on its reasoning as it would "constitute a tax on the UK's exports". Further details are expected in the Autumn Budget."

London-based international students face possible financial barriers after the government proposed a 6% levy on overseas tuition fees to fund means-tested maintenance grants for domestic students. A dance student from Belgium says she would be unable to complete her degree if the levy is passed on, describing family financial strain and the risk of returning home. The Institute for Fiscal Studies estimates the levy could raise close to £600m a year but warns it would effectively act as a tax on UK exports and requires clear justification. University leaders warn of significant income losses; one conservatoire estimates a £500,000 annual hit and fears reduced international enrolment and cultural exchange.

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