Janice Lozano
International students are an important part of the higher education sector, with their numbers projected to reach 6.9 million by 2030, a 51% increase from 2015. In 2022, Canada had the greatest proportion of international students, with nearly 30% of its student population coming from abroad. The UK and Australia followed, with 25% and 17% international students, respectively. China is also a leading destination, especially for Anglophone African students, with 442,773 international students in 2016. The US, UK, and Canada have traditionally been the most prestigious choices, but increasing tuition costs and stricter immigration policies have led students to explore alternative destinations, such as China, Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, which offer high-quality education at a lower cost. Technology is also advancing the possibilities for international study, with online education providing affordable access to a global student body.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students worldwide projected by 2030 | 6.9 million |
| Number of international students in the UK in 2021-22 | 679,970 |
| Number of international students in China in 2016 | 442,773 |
| Number of international students in India in 2019 | 47,000 |
| Country with the greatest proportion of international students in 2022 | Canada (30%) |
| Country with the second-highest proportion of international students in 2022 | Australia (25%) |
| Country with the third-highest proportion of international students in 2022 | United Kingdom |
| Number of countries with foreign branch campuses since 2006 | 43% increase |
| Number of foreign branch campuses led by American institutions | 50% |
| Region with the strongest projected annual growth rate for international students | Asia |
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What You'll Learn
- International student enrolment in the UK decreased by 11% in 2021-22
- China is the leading destination for Anglophone African students
- Canada had the greatest number of international students in 2022
- The US and UK have the most prestigious universities
- India is a growing destination for international students
International student enrolment in the UK decreased by 11% in 2021-22
The UK has traditionally been one of the most prestigious destinations for international students, along with the US. However, in 2021-22, international student enrolment in the UK decreased by 11%. This decline was driven by a sharp drop in first-year undergraduate enrolments from EU countries, which fell by 62.6% due to changes in funding rules and visa requirements. In contrast, non-EU first-year undergraduate enrolments increased by 11.9% in the same period.
The overall number of international students enrolled in UK universities in 2023/24 was 732,285, with 656,735 from non-EU countries. This represents a 1% decline in foreign enrolments, with significant decreases from some of the top overseas markets for UK education, including Nigeria (-36%) and India (-15%). Enrolments from China, another major source of international students for the UK, also decreased by 4%.
Despite the overall decline in foreign enrolments, there was a notable increase in first-year international postgraduate enrolments in 2021-22, which grew by 31.8% compared to the previous year. This growth was driven by a 42.7% increase in first-year non-EU postgraduates, while the number of first-year EU postgraduates decreased by 38.7%. Non-EU students now make up 93.8% of all first-year postgraduates in the UK.
The decrease in international student enrolment in the UK can be attributed to various factors, including the increase in tuition costs and higher immigration barriers. Additionally, the UK's departure from the Erasmus+ programme and the subsequent introduction of the Turing Scheme may have contributed to the decline in EU student numbers. The impact of these changes is evident in the sharp decline in accepted applicants for undergraduate study from EU countries, which fell by 50% in 2021/22.
The decline in international student enrolment has economic implications for the UK. International students bring significant economic benefits to the country, with an estimated net contribution of £37.4 billion in 2021/22. However, there are concerns about the reliance of UK universities on international tuition fee income, particularly from Chinese students, which could expose them to financial risks if assumptions about future growth in international student numbers do not materialise.
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China is the leading destination for Anglophone African students
The number of international students globally is projected to reach 6.9 million by 2030, a 51% increase from 2015. As of 2022, Canada had the greatest number of international students relative to its higher education population, with nearly 30% of students enrolled being international. Australia followed with a share of 25%, while the United Kingdom ranked third.
China is now the leading destination for Anglophone African students. In 2016, 14% of international students in China were from Africa, which had the highest growth rate at 23.7% year-on-year from 2015 to 2016. The number of African students in China grew by 258% from 2011 to 2017, compared to a growth rate of 30% for the US and declines of -2% for France and -24% for the UK. China's efforts to attract African students are part of a broader plan to boost its soft power and promote its economic and political model in the developing world.
China has become Africa's largest trading partner and lender over the past two decades. It has financed infrastructure projects and expanded its presence in sectors such as media, technology, military, and minerals. Beijing regularly hosts African leaders and has trained thousands of African officials in fields such as agriculture, science, and military strategy. China's push to educate African students is similar to the Soviet Union's strategy during the Cold War, which helped forge ties that still exist today.
African students are attracted to China due to government scholarships, affordable tuition, lower living costs, and easier access to visas. China boasts numerous world-class universities, many of which are attractive research centers. Additionally, many graduate and postgraduate programs are offered in English, and China's growing economic strength provides more career opportunities. China's diplomatic efforts and increasing ties with African governments and business leaders have also contributed to its success in recruiting African students.
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Canada had the greatest number of international students in 2022
Canada witnessed a notable surge in international student enrolment in 2022, solidifying its position as a leading global education hub. The country's appeal to foreign students is evident through its rising numbers, which have contributed significantly to the country's economy and diversity on campuses.
Canada's international student population expanded by 30% in 2022, a remarkable growth rate that outpaced its leading competitors. This expansion built upon the previous year's substantial increase of 27% in 2021. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the number of international students with active study permits in Canada rose to 804,370 to 807,260 in 2022, with some sources placing the figure at over 1 million. This significant influx of students contributed to a notable demand for affordable housing, outpacing the available supply.
Canada's rise in popularity among international students has been influenced by several factors. Firstly, the country's reputation for high-quality education and world-class universities has been a significant draw. Additionally, Canada's immigration policies and the availability of post-study work permits have played a role in attracting students seeking long-term opportunities. The influence of Indian students, in particular, became more pronounced in 2022, with Canada supporting their economic and political goals.
Canada's international student population is diverse, with Indian and Chinese students comprising just over half of the total volume. However, notable growth has also come from other markets, including the Philippines, Nigeria, and Nepal, which entered Canada's Top 10 markets in 2022. Furthermore, Canadian institutions have become increasingly diversified, with Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec all attracting significant numbers of international students.
The economic impact of international students in Canada is substantial. In 2022, the Canadian government reported that the annual economic contribution of international students had increased to $22.3 billion, surpassing exports in several key industries. This influx has created and supported numerous jobs, with expenditures by international students, including tourism, making a significant contribution to the country's economy.
In conclusion, Canada's prominent position as a top destination for international students in 2022 is evident through its impressive enrolment numbers and the subsequent economic benefits. The country's competitive marketing strategies and ability to cater to the needs of foreign students have solidified its reputation as a leading choice for those seeking quality education abroad.
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The US and UK have the most prestigious universities
There are approximately 5 million international students worldwide, and this number is projected to reach 6.9 million by 2030. The US and the UK have traditionally been the most popular destinations for international students due to their prestigious universities. However, the number of international students in these countries has been declining due to increasing tuition costs and higher immigration barriers.
The US and UK universities occupy the top spots in various rankings, such as the QS Top Universities and Times Higher Education Supplement rankings. According to the QS rankings, the US has 18 universities in the top 50, while the UK has 8. The Times Higher Education rankings place Oxford as the top university for the ninth consecutive year in 2025, followed by MIT and Stanford.
The prestige of US and UK universities can be attributed to their wealth, allowing them to attract the best academics and conduct extensive research. For example, Harvard has more financial resources and research output than most nations. Additionally, the UK's Oxbridge is highly prestigious due to its long history.
However, it is important to recognize that university rankings may be biased towards Anglophone institutions. When considering rankings not created in the Anglophone world, American and British universities still dominate the top positions. For instance, the Academic Ranking of World Universities, also known as the Shanghai rankings, includes only American and British institutions in its top 20, except for ETH Zurich at number 19.
While the US and UK have the most prestigious universities, other countries are becoming more competitive. China, in particular, has seen a steady increase in international students due to its world-class universities, research capabilities, affordability, and growing economic strength. Other East Asian countries, such as Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, are also attracting foreign students by offering education at a "local cost."
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India is a growing destination for international students
The number of international students globally is projected to reach 6.9 million by 2030, an increase of 51% from 2015. In 2022, Canada had the greatest number of international students relative to its higher education population, with nearly 30% of students being international.
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Frequently asked questions
There were 679,970 international students in the UK in 2021-22.
In 2022, Canada had the greatest percentage of international students in higher education, with nearly 30% of students enrolled being international.
China is now the leading destination for international students globally, with 442,773 international students in 2016.
