Lana Oconnell
The census is a national survey that occurs every 10 years and provides a detailed picture of households and people in a given country. It is used by local authorities and charities to help provide services such as transport, education, and healthcare. Students are a vital part of the census and must be included. International students are included in the census if they have a term-time address in the country. For example, in the UK, international students are included in the census if they are staying in the country for at least three months or if they are not currently in the UK but lived there during the previous term and have a formal agreement to stay at their term-time accommodation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of an international student | An individual enrolled in coursework at an accredited, degree-granting higher education institution in the United States on a temporary, non-immigrant visa. |
| Inclusion criteria | All international students enrolled in coursework through an accredited, degree-granting higher education institution in the country, regardless of physical location. |
| Exclusion criteria | Immigrants, permanent residents, citizens, undocumented immigrants, refugees/asylees, and individuals with deferred action status. |
| Reporting guidelines | Report students who are primarily enrolled at your institution, even if another organization sponsors their visa. Do not include students taking a few courses at your institution if they are matriculated elsewhere and under the visa sponsorship of another institution. |
| Data collection frequency | Biennial (previously); the latest survey was administered in March 2024. |
| Response rate | 52% for the 2024 survey; 89% response rate for the fields of study of students from the top 25 places of origin. |
| Census data | Country of birth, employment, and housing, and second address information (stays over 30 days a year). |
| Language spoken | English (36.0%), All other Chinese (9.0%), Romanian (8.1%), and Arabic (4.0%). |
| Student population impact | College towns have a stable population due to student turnover, contributing to the local economy and political power. |
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What You'll Learn
International students in the US
International students are included in the census. In 2021, the Office for National Statistics ensured that all students, including international students, were included in the census. The census is a national survey that occurs every 10 years and provides a detailed picture of people and households in England and Wales.
On the other hand, critics argue that the internationalization of American universities may hinder opportunities for domestic students, particularly those from diverse social backgrounds. They suggest that the presence of international students, who often come from privileged backgrounds, increases competition for university admissions, making it more challenging for homegrown applicants. The Trump administration's viewpoint on this issue has been controversial, with attempts to suspend foreign student enrollment and restrict their visa policies.
Data from the 2023/2024 academic year shows that the United States hosted over 1.1 million international students, with India and China being the top two countries of origin. International graduate students and those on Optional Practical Training (OPT) reached record highs. California, New York, and Texas were the top three states hosting international students.
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International students in the UK
International students are included in the UK census. The census is a national survey that takes place every 10 years and gives a detailed picture of the people and households in England and Wales. All students, including international students, are an important part of the census and must be included. The last census was in 2021, and the previous one was in 2011.
The UK is one of the most popular destinations for international students, offering a diverse population and a reputation for prestigious schooling. In the 2021/22 academic year, approximately 680,000 international students were enrolled in UK higher education, making up 24% of all higher education students. The latest data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) shows a record high of 758,855 international students in UK higher education in 2022/23, a 12% rise on the previous year.
The UK's education system is recognised as world-class, comprehensive, and adaptable. It offers a wide range of programs, including GCSEs, A-Levels, and degree programs. International students are attracted to the UK's excellent higher education system and its hundreds of world-class universities. The country's history, culture, and English-language education also make it a natural choice for students worldwide.
Financing an international education can be a significant barrier for many international students. The UK offers various sources of funding, including scholarships and loans, to help make studying in the UK more accessible. Additionally, the UK government has recognised the positive economic impact of international students, which contributed £41.9 billion to the economy in 2021/22, an increase from £31.3 billion in 2018/19.
In terms of student migration, the UK saw an all-time high in 2022, with more than 484,000 visas issued to international students. The top countries of origin for international students in the UK in 2021/22 were China (26%), India (23%), and Nigeria (9%). The Graduate route, which allows students to stay in the UK for two years after graduation, or three years for PhD graduates, has also gained popularity, with almost 73,000 former students extending their visas in 2022.
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The impact of COVID-19 on international students
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on international students, affecting their enrolment, well-being, and overall student experience.
One of the most significant challenges faced by international students during the pandemic has been the abrupt shift from face-to-face learning to online learning. This change has disrupted their education and created uncertainty, especially for those studying in a different language. The pandemic has also impacted the socio-emotional and psychological well-being of international students, with many experiencing financial and personal-social challenges. An online survey of 712 international students found that the majority reported financial difficulties and personal-social challenges, with COVID-19 exacerbating these issues.
The pandemic has also made it more difficult for international students to complete the administrative procedures and travel arrangements necessary to enrol in higher education institutions abroad. Border closures and temporary university closures in many EU and OECD countries have further complicated the process of starting or continuing studies overseas. Some countries have modified their admission processes and introduced temporary measures to support international students financially, such as increasing maximum working hours or providing access to national funds.
The impact of COVID-19 on international student mobility has been significant. Several surveys and studies have indicated a decrease in interest in studying abroad, with one study showing that 84% of respondents from Mainland China and Hong Kong had no plans to study abroad after the pandemic. The pandemic has also shifted the flow of international students, with East Asian countries and regions becoming more attractive destinations for higher education.
The vulnerability of international students during the pandemic has been recognised, and there have been calls for higher education institutions to provide tailored programs and supportive environments to address the unique challenges faced by this student group. These challenges encompass mental health, financial distress, and cultural and language barriers, among others. Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic has had wide-ranging impacts on international students, affecting their enrolment, well-being, and overall educational experience.
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International students' contribution to the economy
International students are an important part of a nation's economy, as well as its communities and culture. The economic impact of international students is significant, with their contribution to the economy of the host country being a key factor in the development of global education policies.
In Australia, for example, international students inject around $32 billion a year into the economy, according to Universities Australia. This influx of money not only boosts the economy but also creates jobs and improves wages for Australians. The benefits extend beyond the financial, with international students fostering powerful personal and professional relationships, as well as long-lasting cultural, diplomatic, and trade ties.
The IIE Open Doors program in the United States also highlights the importance of international students to the economy. The program collects detailed data on international students, including their fields of study and funding sources. This information is valuable for understanding the economic impact of international students, who often have multiple funding streams, such as family funding, student loans, and research assistantships.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about changes to the definition of international students, with many studying remotely from their home countries. Despite this, the Open Doors 2024 survey still achieved a 52% response rate, indicating the continued importance of understanding the contributions of international students to host countries.
Overall, international students make significant contributions to the economies of their host countries, and their presence fosters cultural exchange, global alumni networks, and long-lasting relationships that benefit both the students' home countries and their countries of study.
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International students' primary source of funding
International students in the United States contribute significantly to the country's economy, with over 1.1 million international students contributing approximately $43 billion during the 2023-24 academic year, according to NAFSA. The primary sources of funding for these students can vary, and understanding these options is crucial for aspiring international students.
One primary source of funding for international students is scholarships. International scholarships are specifically designed to help fund education programs overseas and are a popular option. These scholarships not only provide financial assistance but also offer unique cultural experiences and valuable networking opportunities. Many countries have programs that provide full scholarships to their students studying abroad, such as Saudi Arabia's initiative for its citizens. Additionally, several international organizations, like the Fulbright Commission, grant aid to students worldwide, although they often require applicants to be in their home country during the application process.
A student's home country can also be a source of funding, either through organizations or companies from their home country or their government. It is important to thoroughly investigate this option before departing for studies abroad, as there may be stipulations attached, such as a requirement to return home after graduation. Additionally, financial aid offices of colleges and universities in the United States offer limited financial aid for international students. Private institutions may sometimes provide tuition discounts or reductions, whereas public institutions rarely have this flexibility.
Another potential source of funding is part-time employment while studying. The F-1 status, common for full-time international students, permits part-time, on-campus employment for fewer than 20 hours per week. Similarly, the J-1 student status allows for similar employment with the sponsor's permission. However, immigration regulations are strict regarding working while on a student visa, and students cannot rely on potential income when submitting evidence of financial resources for their application. The income must be assured and sufficient to cover the costs of at least the first year of studies.
Lastly, EducationUSA, a U.S. Department of State network, has over 430 international student advising centers across more than 175 countries and territories. It promotes the diversity of U.S. higher education and assists international students in finding suitable educational opportunities. Students can benefit from their services to explore funding options and navigate the financial aspects of studying in the United States.
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Frequently asked questions
International students are included in the census and are required to complete it.
International students should complete the census for their university address/term-time address.
International students who are not in the country but would normally be are still required to complete the census.
If an international student has never taken up a term-time address in the country, they do not need to complete the census.
Students studying on non-UK campuses do not need to complete the census.
