Ibrahim Gardner
The United Kingdom is a popular destination for international students, with around 758,855 overseas students enrolled in UK universities in 2022/23. The UK government has introduced various policies to attract international students, including the Graduate Route visa, which allows international graduates to stay and work in the UK for up to two years after completing their studies. This visa route has led to an increase in the number of students extending their stay in the UK. While the majority of international students eventually return to their home countries, a significant number choose to stay and work in the UK, contributing to the country's economy and filling skills gaps in various sectors. The impact of international students on the UK's economy and society continues to be a subject of debate and discussion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students in UK higher education institutions in 2023/24 | 732,285 |
| Percentage of international students in UK higher education in 2023/24 | 25.2% |
| Number of international students in UK higher education institutions in 2022/23 | 758,855 |
| Number of new overseas entrants to UK universities in 2022/23 | 459,200 |
| Number of Graduate Visas issued in 2022 | 73,000 |
| Percentage of international students who chose to study in the UK due to the perceived high quality of its education | 59% |
| Percentage of international students who returned home immediately after graduating | 36% |
| Percentage of international students who remained in the UK after graduating | 50% |
| Percentage of Graduate Route visa holders who were more likely to do business with the UK in the future | 59% |
| Net benefit to the UK of hosting Graduate Route visa holders in the first full year of the scheme | £70 million |
| Number of international students granted a study visa in 2016 who still held valid temporary leave at the end of 2021 | 17% |
| Number of international students granted a study visa in 2011 who still held valid temporary leave at the end of 2021 | 7% |
| Number of international students granted a study visa in 2011 who had been granted settlement at the end of 2021 | <1% |
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What You'll Learn
The Graduate Visa
Introduced in July 2021, the Graduate Visa has seen high uptake and contributed to an increase in the number of international students extending their stay in the UK. In 2022, almost 73,000 former students were issued with a Graduate Visa. The visa is available to students who have completed a UK bachelor's degree, postgraduate degree, or other eligible courses, such as a foundation programme in Medicine or Dentistry. Applicants must have studied for a minimum period with a valid Student Visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa.
To apply for the Graduate Visa, individuals must be in the UK and submit their application online. They will need to prove their identity and provide necessary documents. Applicants can expect to receive a decision on their visa within eight weeks. The Graduate Visa is subject to certain costs, including the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is set at £624 per year as of November 2023, and the visa application fee, which was £822 in November 2023.
While the Graduate Visa has been welcomed for its contribution to the UK's economy and workforce, there have been concerns about the number of international students transitioning to the asylum system or entering low-paid work. Proposals to limit the Graduate Route have been considered, but a review by the Migration Advisory Committee in May 2024 found no evidence of widespread abuse of the scheme. The Graduate Visa remains an important pathway for international students seeking to extend their stay in the UK and pursue career opportunities after completing their studies.
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The benefits of international students staying in the UK
The UK is a popular destination for international students, with around 732,285 international students enrolled in its higher education institutions in the 2023/24 academic year. This popularity is due to the numerous benefits the country offers to international students, including academic excellence, cultural diversity, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
One of the main advantages of studying in the UK is the opportunity to gain a world-class education. UK universities are known for their academic excellence, with many ranked among the top global institutions. Degrees from UK universities are respected worldwide and enhance graduates' job prospects and earnings. Students are taught to think critically and challenge conventions, fostering skills that employers highly value.
The UK also offers a vibrant and multicultural environment, with over 270 nationalities and 300 languages represented. This diversity enriches the student experience, exposing individuals to a wide range of traditions, cuisines, faiths, and languages. International students can immerse themselves in new cultures while staying connected to their own, creating a sense of belonging and global awareness.
Additionally, the UK provides a safe and student-friendly environment, with policies such as the Graduate Visa, allowing international students to gain valuable work experience. The Graduate Visa enables students to stay and work in the UK for up to two years after graduation, or three years for PhD graduates. This opportunity enhances graduates' professional skills, experience, and connections, giving them a competitive edge in the global job market.
Furthermore, UK universities are designed to support international students in achieving their academic and personal goals. The universities offer a range of resources and community events that help international students navigate the challenges of living away from home and provide them with a supportive and inclusive environment to thrive in.
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The number of international students in the UK
The United Kingdom is one of the world's most popular destinations for international students, regularly featuring in the top three countries for hosting international students, alongside the United States and Australia. In 2022/23, there were 758,855 overseas students studying at UK universities, with 95,505 from the EU and 663,355 from non-EU countries. This was the tenth consecutive record high, with international students making up 26% of the total student population.
The UK's popularity among international students is due to several factors, including the perceived high quality of its education system and the strong reputation of its universities. In recent years, the UK government has also introduced favourable policies for international students, such as the Graduate Route visa, which allows graduates to stay and work in the UK for up to two years after completing their studies. This visa route was expanded in 2021 to include all subjects and has contributed to the increasing number of international students choosing the UK.
The largest source countries for international students in the UK are India, China, and Nigeria, which together account for around 51% of all international students. The number of Indian students in the UK has seen a significant increase in recent years, with a more than tenfold rise in entrants from 2017/18 to 2022/23. The UK has also seen a sharp rise in the number of Nigerian students, partly due to factors such as political and economic insecurity at home and the relative ease of obtaining visas and admission to British universities.
The presence of international students in the UK brings significant financial, cultural, and intellectual benefits. International tuition fees contribute substantially to university revenues, and international students are also drawn to the UK for its high-quality education and the prospect of gaining valuable work experience. While the majority of international students eventually return to their home countries, those who stay contribute to filling skills gaps in sectors such as healthcare and education, and they are more likely to do business with the UK in the future.
There have been concerns about the number of international students transitioning into the asylum system or taking low-paid jobs. However, overall, the presence of international students in the UK is generally viewed as beneficial, and the government has expressed a welcoming attitude towards them, recognising their contributions to universities, communities, and the country as a whole.
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The impact of the Graduate Visa on the number of international students
The Graduate Visa, introduced in 2021, allows international students to stay in the UK for two years after graduation (or three years if they are a PhD graduate) to live and work at any skill level. This route had previously been closed in 2012, and its reintroduction has had a significant impact on the number of international students in the UK.
In 2022/23, there were 758,855 overseas students studying at UK universities, with international students making up 26% of the total student population. This was a tenth consecutive record high, with a 26% increase in overseas entrants in the last five years. The UK has consistently been one of the top three destinations for international students, alongside the US and Australia.
The Graduate Visa has played a role in attracting international students to the UK. For example, the number of Indian students in the UK rose sharply after 2020, and the UK's share of Indian students increased from 5% to 17% between 2018 and 2021. The Graduate Visa may have been a factor in this increase, as it provides Indian students with the opportunity to gain work experience and potentially settle in the UK long-term.
In 2022, almost 73,000 former students were issued the Graduate Visa, contributing to a large increase in the number of students extending their stay in the UK. This has had economic benefits for the UK, as international students bring export earnings and are expected to contribute to the economy through tax payments. A government estimate predicted that the Graduate Visa route would result in £12.9 billion of additional tax revenue between 2021/22 and 2030/31.
However, there have been concerns about the impact of the Graduate Visa on the UK's immigration system. In 2024, around 40% of asylum seekers had previously held a study visa, and there were concerns that some were using the student route to claim humanitarian protection. Additionally, 60% of people on a graduate visa earned less than £30,000 after 12 months, raising questions about the impact on the labour market. Despite these concerns, a review in 2024 found no evidence of widespread abuse of the Graduate Visa and recommended that the scheme should continue.
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The UK's popularity among international students
The UK is one of the most popular destinations for international students, regularly ranking within the top three countries for hosting international students, alongside the United States and Australia. In 2022, there were 758,855 overseas students studying at UK universities, with 95,505 from the EU and 663,355 from non-EU countries. This was the tenth consecutive year that international student numbers reached a record high, accounting for 26% of the total student population in the UK.
Another factor contributing to the UK's popularity is the recognition of its qualifications globally. A degree from a UK university is highly regarded and can enhance an individual's career prospects internationally. The country's strong international reputation in higher education encourages students to seek a UK degree to gain a competitive edge in the global job market.
The UK also offers a range of attractive post-study work options for international students. The Graduate Visa, introduced in July 2021, allows students to stay and work in the UK for up to two years after graduation or three years for PhD graduates. This visa provides international students with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and build their careers in the UK, making it a desirable destination for those seeking long-term residency.
Additionally, the UK's vibrant and diverse culture makes it an appealing destination for international students. The country's rich history, dynamic cities, and diverse communities offer a unique student experience. Many students are drawn to the UK's cosmopolitan atmosphere, where they can explore new cultures, interact with people from various backgrounds, and enjoy the country's vibrant social and intellectual scenes.
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Frequently asked questions
In 2022/23, there were 758,855 overseas students studying at UK universities, 95,505 of whom were from the EU and 663,355 from outside the EU. The UK is among the world's most popular destinations for international students, regularly placing within the top three countries alongside the US and Australia.
In 2022, almost 73,000 former students were issued a Graduate Visa, allowing them to live and work in the UK for two years after graduation or three years for PhD graduates. However, it is unclear how many international students stay in the UK long-term. The Home Office's "Migrant journey" report found that of the 152,000 people granted a study visa in 2016, only 17% still held valid temporary leave at the end of 2021, and less than 1% had been granted settlement.
International students are drawn to the UK by the high quality and strong reputation of its universities. The ability to stay and work after graduating is an important factor for many international students. The Graduate Visa allows students to work at any skill level and switch into skilled work routes, with 60% of graduates staying in the UK working in SMEs, particularly in education and healthcare.
