Douglas Olsen
The UK is a popular destination for international students, with its world-renowned universities, diverse culture, and highly skilled academic staff. In the 2023/24 academic year, there were 732,285 international students in UK higher education institutions, a slight decrease from the previous year. The majority of international students in the UK come from China, with India, Nigeria, the United States, and Hong Kong also being top source countries. The UK government has set targets to increase the number of international students and has introduced incentives such as the Graduate Route visa to attract more students. The country's universities have also become increasingly reliant on the higher fees paid by international students.
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What You'll Learn
The number of international students in the UK
The UK is a popular destination for international students, with its world-renowned universities, diverse culture, and highly skilled academic staff. The country has consistently seen an increase in the number of international students enrolling in its higher education institutions over the years.
In the 2021/22 academic year, there were a total of 679,970 international students pursuing their degrees in the UK, according to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). This number included 120,140 students from the EU and 559,825 non-EU students. The number of international students in the UK has been steadily increasing, with a significant growth of 605,130 international students in the 2020/21 academic year.
The majority of international students in the UK come from China, with a total of 151,690 students in the 2021/22 academic year. This is followed by India with 126,535 students and Nigeria with 32,945 students. The UK government's International Education Strategy, set in 2019, aimed to recruit 600,000 international students in higher education by 2030, a target that was achieved in 2021, nine years ahead of schedule.
The Graduate Route visa, introduced in 2021, allows international students to live and work in the UK for up to three years after completing their studies, making the country even more attractive to international students. The UK has benefited economically from international students, with tuition fees and contracts worth £9.99 billion in the 2021/22 academic year. However, there are signs of a slight decrease in international student numbers in 2023 and 2024, with a 5% drop in student visas granted compared to the previous year.
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The countries that send the most students to the UK
The United Kingdom is one of the world's most desirable destinations for international students, regularly ranking among the top three countries for hosting international students, alongside the United States and Australia. In the 2023/24 academic year, there were 732,285 international students studying at UK higher education institutions, equivalent to 25.2% of all higher education students in the UK. This is a slight decrease from the previous year, which saw 758,855 international students in the UK, constituting a record high of 26% of the total student population.
The UK government's International Education Strategy, set in 2019, aimed to recruit 600,000 international students in higher education and increase the value of higher education exports to £35 billion by 2030. This target was met in one year, and the number of international students in the UK has continued to increase since then.
- China: In 2022, China was the top country of origin for international students in the UK, with approximately 151,690 students. Chinese students made up 22.3% of all international students in the UK that year, and they constitute a significant proportion of international students at some universities, such as Southampton (60.5%), RCA (59.8%), Sheffield (57.8%), York (56.2%), Birmingham (50.3%), and Manchester (49.9%).
- India: India is the second-largest sender of international students to the UK, with around 126,535 students in 2023. In 2021/22, India sent the most students to the UK, with 126,600 entrants, more than ten times the number sent in 2017/18.
- Nigeria: Nigeria is the third-largest source of international students in the UK, with 44,195 students enrolled in UK institutions in 2023.
- United States: The United States is the fourth-largest sender of international students to the UK, with 22,990 students enrolled in UK higher education institutions as of 2023.
- Hong Kong: As of 2023, Hong Kong sends the fifth-most students to the UK, with a total of 17,630 students enrolled in UK universities.
Other countries in the top 10 include Bangladesh (12,700), Malaysia (12,135), Saudi Arabia (8,750), United Arab Emirates (8,085), and Canada (7,485).
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The financial impact of international students on the UK
International students have a significant financial impact on the UK. The UK has consistently been one of the most popular destinations for international students, with its world-renowned universities, culturally diverse environment, and highly skilled academic staff. In 2019, the UK government set a target to recruit 600,000 international students in higher education by 2030, a goal that was achieved in 2022, a full eight years ahead of schedule. In the 2022/23 academic year, there were 758,855 international students studying at UK higher education institutions, equivalent to 25.2% of all higher education students in the UK. This number decreased slightly to 732,285 in the 2023/24 academic year.
The financial contribution of international students to the UK economy is substantial. International students bring in billions of pounds in tuition fees alone. In the 2021/22 academic year, higher education institutions in the UK received £9.99 billion in tuition fees and contracts from international students, with £8.93 billion coming from non-EU students. This income is vital for universities, especially in light of reductions in teaching grants and rising costs, and it helps to cross-subsidise research and other areas.
In addition to tuition fees, international students also contribute significantly to the UK economy through their spending on living expenses and other costs. A report by the Higher Education Policy Institute estimated that international students add £20 billion to the UK economy, with London gaining £4.6 billion and Sheffield benefiting the most in proportion to its economy. Another analysis by London Economics found that a cohort of international students in 2018/19 contributed a net economic benefit of £25.9 billion to the UK's economy, a figure that is estimated to have increased to £37.4 billion in the 2021/22 academic year. This impact is felt across the country, with international students in Glasgow, London, Sheffield, Nottingham, and Newcastle delivering some of the greatest financial contributions.
The presence of international students also has a positive impact on local businesses and the job market in the UK. Their spending on living costs, such as accommodation, transportation, and daily expenses, ripples through various sectors of the economy. International students' families and friends also contribute to the economy through their spending when visiting the UK. The income generated from international students helps support local economies and businesses, from sandwich shops to taxi firms, and contributes to job creation and economic growth in the UK.
In summary, international students have a significant financial impact on the UK. They bring in billions of pounds in tuition fees and contribute substantially to the economy through their spending. International students support local businesses, create jobs, and enhance the UK's reputation as a global leader in higher education. The UK's ability to attract and retain international students has a positive financial impact and underscores the country's commitment to fostering a diverse and academically excellent environment for students from around the world.
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The most popular subjects for international students in the UK
The UK is one of the world's most popular educational destinations, with thousands of international students choosing to pursue their qualifications in its many top-ranked institutions. The country's world-renowned universities, culturally diverse environment, and highly skilled academic staff make it a magnet for ambitious students from across the globe.
The UK government's International Education Strategy set a target to recruit 600,000 international students in higher education by 2030, a goal that was met in 2023, a full decade ahead of schedule. In the 2023/24 academic year, there were 732,285 international students studying at UK higher education institutions, equivalent to 25.2% of all higher education students in the country.
International students in the UK come from a wide range of countries, with China being the largest source of international students. In 2021/22, there were roughly 151,690 students from China enrolled in UK higher education institutions, comprising 22.3% of all international students in the country. Other countries that send significant numbers of students to the UK include India (126,535 students), Nigeria (44,195 students), the United States (22,990 students), and Hong Kong (17,630 students).
Now, let's take a look at some of the most popular subjects for international students in the UK:
- Business and Management: Business and management-related degrees are extremely popular among international students in the UK. In 2021/22, around 217,610 international students were pursuing degrees in this field. These degrees offer insights into various aspects of business operations, including finance, marketing, human resources, and administration. Many programmes also offer placements with globally recognised companies, providing valuable practical experience.
- Engineering and Technology: Engineering is a prominent choice for international students in the UK, particularly specialisations such as Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering. Mechanical Engineering involves applying the principles of physics and materials science to design, analyse, and maintain mechanical systems. Electrical Engineering focuses on the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism, covering areas like power, control systems, and telecommunications.
- Computing: Computing is another in-demand field of study for international students in the UK. The country's universities offer top-ranking computer science programmes that equip students with highly sought-after skills. Graduates can expect excellent career prospects, as computer systems are integral to most areas of modern life.
- Social Sciences: Social sciences, including subjects like Politics, Psychology, and Sociology, are popular choices for international students in the UK. Politics degrees provide a deep understanding of different political systems and their dynamics, while also exploring topics like crisis management and human rights. Psychology, a popular subject among UK students as well, offers insights into human behaviour and the mind.
- Law: The UK's unique legal systems, such as British common law and English commercial law, attract international students interested in law degrees. Law programmes in the UK often include opportunities for professional placements at firms, providing practical legal experience.
These subjects offer a range of academic and career opportunities that draw international students to the UK's higher education system, contributing to its reputation as a leading global study destination.
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The UK's immigration policy for international students
The UK has consistently been one of the most desirable countries for international students, with its world-renowned universities, culturally diverse environment, and highly skilled academic staff. In 2019, the UK government set a target to recruit 600,000 international students in higher education by 2030, a goal that was achieved a decade earlier than anticipated. In the 2023/24 academic year, there were 732,285 international students studying at UK higher education institutions, equivalent to 25.2% of all higher education students in the UK.
However, the UK's immigration policies for international students have been a source of debate and have undergone several changes in recent years. The Labour government, elected in May 2025, released an immigration white paper proposing to reduce migration. This included plans to restrict the ability of international students to bring dependents, limiting it to postgraduate courses designated as research programs and their dependents having to pay the application fee and immigration health surcharge. There has also been a push to make it harder for universities to keep their licenses to sponsor student visas by introducing tougher compliance rules.
In terms of visas, the UK has implemented a two-year Graduate Route visa for graduates of UK higher education institutions, with PhD graduates being allowed to stay for three years. There has been a decrease in the number of student visas granted in recent years, with a 5% drop in 2023 and an 11% drop in visa applications in August 2024 compared to the previous year. The minimum salary requirement to sponsor a partner or spouse visa was also increased to £29,000, a significant leap from the previous amount.
International students contribute significantly to the UK economy, with tuition fees and contracts worth £9.99 billion in the 2021/22 academic year. London Economics estimated that one first-year cohort of international students in 2018/19 delivered a £25.9 billion net benefit to the British economy. However, there are concerns about the impact of international students on net migration numbers, with the government aiming to reduce overall migration. The UK's immigration policies for international students aim to balance the desire to attract talented students and the goal of reducing net migration, presenting a challenge for successive governments.
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Frequently asked questions
The number varies each year. In the 2023/24 academic year, there were 732,285 international students studying at UK higher education institutions. This was a decrease from the previous year, which saw 758,855 international students.
In the 2021/22 academic year, 120,140 international students in the UK were from the EU. This was a decrease from the previous year.
In the 2021/22 academic year, 559,825 international students in the UK were from non-EU countries. This was an increase of 23.8% from the previous year.
The UK government set a target in 2019 to recruit 600,000 international students in higher education by 2030. This target was met in 2021, nine years ahead of schedule.
