Lana Oconnell
The United Kingdom is a popular destination for international students, with around 484,000 sponsored study visas issued in 2022, a 38% increase from the previous year. The UK government met its 2030 target of attracting 600,000 international students ten years early, and numbers have continued to rise since 2020. In the 2022/23 academic year, there were 758,855 international students in UK higher education institutions, making up 26% of the total student population. This figure includes 95,505 students from the EU and 663,355 from non-EU countries. The popularity of the UK as a study destination for international students has led to a positive economic impact, with tuition fees from international students contributing significantly to university revenues.
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What You'll Learn
- International student population in the UK in 2022/23: 758,855
- The UK is the second most popular global destination for international students
- International students' contribution to the British economy: £25.9 billion net benefit
- The Graduate Route visa allows eligible students to stay in the UK for 2-3 years
- International student recruitment target of 600,000 met 10 years early
International student population in the UK in 2022/23: 758,855
International students make up a significant portion of the student population in the UK. In the 2022/23 academic year, there were 758,855 international students studying at UK universities, accounting for 26% of the total student population. This number has been steadily increasing over the years, with 679,790 international students in 2021/22 and 605,130 in 2020/21. The UK has consistently been one of the top global destinations for international students, second only to the US for many years. In 2021, it regained its position as the second most popular destination after briefly falling to third place in 2019.
The international student population in the UK is diverse, with students coming from various countries. In recent years, India has been the top sending country, with 126,600 Indian students in the UK in 2022/23, a significant increase from previous years. China had been the top sender for over a decade before that, and it still sent 102,800 students to the UK in 2022/23. Other countries with notable numbers of students in the UK include Nigeria, the US, and Hong Kong.
The presence of international students has had a positive impact on the UK economy. London Economics estimated that one cohort of international students in 2018/19 delivered a net benefit of £25.9 billion to the British economy during their studies. This figure was upgraded to £37.4 billion for the 2021/22 academic year. International students also contribute significantly to university research income. In 2022/23, research income from non-EU overseas sources was £727 million, accounting for 10% of all research income.
The UK government has recognised the value of international students and has taken steps to encourage their enrolment. The government met its 2030 target of 600,000 international students ten years early, and numbers have continued to increase. The Graduate Route visa, introduced in 2021, allows international students to stay and work in the UK for up to three years after completing their studies. However, there have also been concerns about unethical practices by some international student recruitment agents, and the government has announced plans to introduce more stringent compliance standards for sponsoring educational institutions.
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The UK is the second most popular global destination for international students
The UK is a highly desirable destination for international students, and in 2021, it was the second most popular global destination for them, after the US. In 2019, it was briefly overtaken by Australia and fell to third place, but it quickly recovered its position and returned to second place in 2021 and 2022.
In 2020-21, the UK welcomed 119,600 EU students and 360,660 non-EU students pursuing full-time degrees at universities in England, with China, India, Nigeria, the US, and Hong Kong being the top sending countries. The number of international students has been steadily increasing, and in 2022/23, there were 758,855 overseas students studying at UK universities, contributing £9.99 billion in tuition fees and contracts. This included 95,505 students from the EU and 663,355 from non-EU countries, with India being the top sending country that year, followed by China.
The UK's popularity among international students is evident from the fact that 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 popularity has had a positive economic impact, with London Economics estimating that one first-year cohort of international students in 2018/19 delivered a £25.9 billion net benefit to the British economy.
The UK government has also recognised the value of international students, with the Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, affirming their contribution to universities, communities, and the country. The government has introduced initiatives such as the Graduate Route visa, which allows eligible students to stay in the UK for two to three years after completing their studies to work or look for work. This has further enhanced the UK's appeal as a study destination for international students.
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International students' contribution to the British economy: £25.9 billion net benefit
International students have long been a boon to the UK economy, contributing billions of pounds annually. In the 2021/22 academic year, the economic benefit of international students rose to £41.9 billion, up from £31.3 billion in 2018/19. This influx of international students has had a positive impact on the UK's higher education sector and its workforce, providing a significant boost to the economy.
The contribution of international students to the UK economy is widespread, with students in Glasgow, London, Sheffield, Nottingham, and Newcastle delivering the greatest financial contributions. On average, each of the 650 parliamentary constituencies in the UK saw a benefit of £58 million, or £560 per citizen. This contribution is even more impressive when considering the costs associated with dependants and other expenses.
The impact of international students extends beyond just the economic. Their presence also enriches the cultural and social fabric of the UK, creating a diverse and vibrant environment. Additionally, international students play a crucial role in addressing some of the most pressing global challenges and creating opportunities for millions of learners worldwide.
The UK's higher education system is recognised globally for its excellence, attracting students from all corners of the world. This appeal is evident in the numbers, with 381,000 first-year international students enrolling in UK universities in 2021/22. The UK's reputation for quality education and its welcoming attitude towards international students have solidified its position as one of the leading study destinations worldwide.
The economic impact of international students is further highlighted when comparing the costs and benefits. While the public cost of hosting international students and their dependants in 2021/22 was estimated at £4.4 billion, the economic contribution of these students far outweighed this, resulting in a net benefit of £37.4 billion for the UK economy. This significant contribution underscores the importance of international students to the UK's economic landscape.
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The Graduate Route visa allows eligible students to stay in the UK for 2-3 years
The UK has been a popular destination for international students, second only to the US in recent years. In 2021-22, there were 679,970 international students studying at UK higher education institutions. This number rose to 758,855 in 2022-23, with 95,505 students from the EU and 663,355 from non-EU countries. The UK government has expressed its welcome of international students and their contribution to the country.
To facilitate international students who wish to stay in the UK after their studies, the Graduate Route visa was introduced on 1 July 2021. This visa allows eligible students to remain in the UK for two to three years after completing their studies to work or look for work. The duration of the Graduate visa depends on the level of qualification achieved. A bachelor's or master's degree holder can stay for up to two years, while a PhD or other doctoral qualification holder can stay for up to three years.
The Graduate visa offers flexibility for graduates to gain work experience, undertake internships, or work as freelancers. There is no minimum salary requirement, and graduates are free to explore various types of employment, including self-employment and voluntary work. This route is unsponsored, meaning graduates can seek employment without the need for an employer to sponsor their visa. Additionally, graduates on this route can sponsor dependants who were previously their dependants on their Student Visa.
To be eligible for the Graduate Route visa, students must have completed their degree at an accredited UK institution. They should apply after their education provider has informed the Home Office of their successful completion of the course. The Graduate visa itself does not lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK and cannot be extended. However, graduates can switch to other visas, such as the Skilled Worker visa, if they meet the requirements. For example, if a graduate impresses their employer while on the Graduate route, the employer can switch them to the Skilled Worker route.
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International student recruitment target of 600,000 met 10 years early
The UK government achieved its target of recruiting 600,000 international students by 2030 a full decade early, with 605,130 international students enrolled in the 2020/21 academic year. This number has continued to increase, with 679,970 international students in 2021/22 and 758,855 in 2022/23, making up 26% of the total student population.
This remarkable achievement is a testament to the collaborative efforts of students, universities, and the government, who have worked together to ensure that students from around the world feel welcomed in the UK. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the UK has remained a top destination for international students, second only to the US.
The increase in international students has been driven largely by students from India, who made up 19% of all non-EU enrolments in 2020/21, with 84,555 students. This is a more than tenfold increase over the number of Indian students in 2017/18. In 2021/22, Indian students surpassed Chinese students as the largest group of international students, with 126,535 and 151,690 students, respectively.
While the UK has seen great success in attracting international students, there have been concerns raised about the potential impact on housing, services, and transport in university towns. Additionally, there are worries about poor practices by some international student recruitment agents, leading to plans for more stringent compliance standards for sponsoring educational institutions. Nonetheless, the UK remains committed to welcoming international students and the valuable contributions they make to the country.
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Frequently asked questions
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.
In 2022/23, there were 95,505 students from the EU studying at UK universities. In 2021/22, there were 120,140 EU students.
In 2022/23, there were 663,355 students from outside the EU studying at UK universities. In 2021/22, there were 559,825 non-EU students.
In 2021/22, Chinese students made up the largest group of international students with 151,690 studying in the UK. In 2020/21, there were 32.4% of all non-EU students from China.
