Lana Oconnell
The perception that universities are more lenient towards international students during the admissions process is a topic of discussion among students. Some students believe that universities are more lenient with international students because they pay higher fees. However, others argue that this leniency may only apply to less competitive courses or universities that are not typically oversubscribed. The competitiveness of the course and university in question plays a significant role in the admissions process. Additionally, there are speculations about the leniency of specific universities, such as UCL, towards international students, but these speculations remain unconfirmed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are international students more likely to be accepted into their chosen course if they miss the conditional offer? | Yes, if the university is not usually oversubscribed for both home/EU and international students, and the lure of higher fees makes being lenient with grades a sensible economic decision. |
| Are international students more likely to be accepted into their chosen course if they have cash? | Yes, some universities are cash cows and are reliant on international students' fees. |
| Are international students more likely to be accepted into their chosen course if they have lower grades? | Yes, if the course is not competitive, and there is no lack of applicants. |
| Are international students more likely to be accepted into their chosen course if they have higher grades? | Yes, if the university is prestigious and competitive, and there is a large number of applicants. |
What You'll Learn
International students' higher fees and universities' need for money
International students are charged higher fees than domestic students in many countries, including the UK, Canada, and the US. This is a significant source of revenue for universities and governments, with international students contributing over $40 billion to the US economy each year. This income is particularly important for universities during economic downturns and budget cuts, and it can help to fund research, pay salaries, and maintain infrastructure.
The higher fees can be a significant burden for international students, who often rely on their parents' income and may struggle with the rising costs of accommodation, travel, and daily expenses. In some cases, international students may be forced to take out loans or work illegally to make ends meet. Despite the financial challenges, many students and their families still see the value in investing in a foreign education.
The high fees paid by international students have led to accusations that universities are more lenient with their admission criteria for these students. There is some evidence to support this, with universities acknowledging their reliance on international students' fees to fund certain projects and initiatives. However, it's important to note that international students still need to meet the minimum grade requirements to successfully complete their courses. The competition for places on certain courses may also affect the likelihood of universities being lenient with grades.
The financial considerations of admitting international students have resulted in some criticism. For example, in California, there have been concerns that international students are taking places that should be allocated to US students. To address this, the University of California campuses agreed to cap the number of international and out-of-state students in exchange for receiving more funding from the state.
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Less renowned universities are more lenient
For example, a student shared that they knew an international student who got into Durham Law with lower grades than the conditional offer. Another student shared that they knew an international student who missed their offer by a few points but was still accepted into their course.
Additionally, some students believe that universities are more lenient with international students during the admissions process, as they are reliant on international students' fees to fund certain projects. However, it is important to note that universities with high competition for places may be less likely to be lenient, as they can afford to be more selective.
The leniency shown by less renowned universities towards international students' grades can be attributed to the supply and demand of places on a course. Universities with a lower number of applicants may be more flexible with their grade requirements to ensure they fill all the available places.
It is worth noting that some universities may also consider other factors besides grades, such as a strong personal statement, when evaluating international student applications.
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Universities' reliance on international students' fees
The question of whether universities are more lenient with international students has been a topic of discussion for years. Some people share their experiences and opinions, stating that universities are more lenient with international students because they pay higher fees. They believe that universities need the money and, therefore, are more flexible with admission requirements for international students.
Now, let's discuss the topic you requested: Universities' reliance on international students' fees.
Over the years, universities, especially in the UK, Canada, and Australia, have become increasingly reliant on the fees paid by international students. This reliance has grown to the point where a reduction in international student numbers can significantly impact a university's financial stability. The fees from international students have become a crucial source of revenue for many institutions, and this trend is expected to continue.
UK Universities
In the UK, international student fees accounted for a substantial 37% of the total fee income in the higher education sector in 2019, according to a study by the Institute for Fiscal Studies. The loss of international students due to the pandemic and other factors has disrupted the financial sustainability of UK universities. The decline in revenue from international students has had a detrimental effect on the financial viability of these institutions.
Canadian Universities
Canadian universities have also experienced a similar situation. In 2018, international students' tuition fees rose twice as fast as those for domestic students. As a result, total income from international students increased from $1.25 billion in 2009-10 to $2.75 billion in 2015-16. This additional revenue helped offset the decline in government funding for post-secondary education. However, this reliance on international students has consequences. It orients universities more towards business, engineering, and science programs, which international students favor, and away from health, social sciences, and humanities programs.
Australian Universities
Australia has also embraced the trend of relying on international student fees to a greater extent than Canada and the UK.
Impact of Reduced International Student Numbers
The decline in international student numbers due to various global conditions, such as the pandemic, has had a significant impact on universities' financial stability. This reduction in fee-paying international students has disrupted the financial sustainability of higher education institutions. It has also affected the scope of teaching and learning, with potential cutbacks in the number of subjects offered and limitations in curriculums, ultimately diminishing the overall quality of the student experience.
In conclusion, universities' reliance on international students' fees has increased over the years, and this trend is expected to continue. While this reliance has helped offset funding shortfalls, it has also made universities vulnerable to international politics, economics, and other factors affecting international student mobility.
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Competition for courses
For example, LSE Law is noted as being highly competitive, with a standard offer of A*AA, and so the university is less likely to be lenient with grades for international students. Similarly, medicine, dentistry, and vet med courses have strict student number caps, and so are less likely to be lenient with grades.
On the other hand, if a course is less competitive and has a smaller number of applicants, then the university may be more lenient with grades for international students. This is especially true if the university is not usually oversubscribed for international students and is reliant on their fees.
It is worth noting that some universities, such as Oxbridge, LSE, UCL, Imperial, and St Andrews, are consistently oversubscribed for both domestic and international students and are therefore less likely to be lenient with grades.
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Universities' desire to expand and spend money
Universities are under pressure to find new ways to generate income, with enrolment numbers declining in recent years, partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and rising tuition costs. Schools that rely heavily on tuition fees for funding may face financial instability or even closure if they don't adapt. This is where the desire to expand and spend money comes into play.
Universities have a strong desire to expand and spend money to secure their financial future. This is particularly true for less well-known universities that are not consistently oversubscribed. They may be more lenient with admission requirements to attract more students and the higher fees that come with them. International students, who often pay much higher fees, are a key target. For example, one user on The Student Room forum stated that they knew an international student who was accepted to Durham Law with lower grades than required for domestic students. Another forum user agreed, stating that universities are "thirsty for money" and will accept international students with lower grades to secure the additional income.
Universities can spend money however they like in only two ways: general donations and international student fee income. This desire to expand and spend is driven by the need to fund capital projects and compete with other universities. They may also need to service debts, as taking on more international students can help service these debts.
Universities are businesses, and like any business, they need to bring in more money than they spend. International students are a lucrative source of income, and universities will be lenient with grades and other requirements to attract them. This is a sensible economic decision, as the additional income can fund projects and initiatives that would otherwise be out of reach.
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Frequently asked questions
No, international students are often treated differently to local students when applying to university. This is because they pay more in fees and are therefore more desirable to universities.
It depends on the university. Some universities will accept international students with lower grades than their conditional offer, especially if they are not oversubscribed. However, some of the more prestigious universities, such as Oxbridge, LSE, and St Andrews, are less likely to be lenient with grades.
It depends on the course and the university. For example, medicine, dentistry, and vet med courses often have additional requirements for international students, such as Advanced Placement tests and minimum grades in graduating high school and SATI/SATII.
Yes, it is more likely that a university will be lenient with grades if the course is less competitive, as they may struggle to fill all the places.
