Savanna Hoffman
The UK is a popular destination for international students due to its world-renowned universities, diverse culture, and highly skilled academic staff. In 2022/23, there were 758,855 international students in the UK, contributing £11.8 billion in tuition fees. The majority of these students come from non-EU countries, with China, India, Nigeria, the United States, and Hong Kong being the top five source countries. London is a particularly attractive city for international students, with 20 of its universities featuring in the top 200 most diverse institutions. The UK government has implemented various visa rules for international students, and universities have been warned about the financial risks of relying heavily on international tuition fees, especially from Chinese students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students in UK universities in 2022/23 | 758,855 |
| Number of international students in UK universities in 2023/24 | 732,285 |
| Percentage of international students in UK universities in 2022/23 | 26% |
| Percentage of international students in UK universities in 2023/24 | 25.2% |
| Number of international students from the EU in UK universities in 2022/23 | 95,505 |
| Number of international students from outside the EU in UK universities in 2022/23 | 663,355 |
| Number of international students from India in UK universities in 2022/23 | 126,600 |
| Number of international students from China in UK universities in 2022/23 | 102,800 |
| Number of international students in UK universities from the top 5 non-EU countries in 2023 | 350,750 |
| Number of international students in UK universities pursuing a degree in Business and Management in 2021/22 | 217,610 |
| Number of international students in UK universities enrolled in Engineering and Technology studies in 2021/22 | 67,870 |
| Number of international students in UK universities studying Computing programs in 2021/22 | 56,855 |
| Number of international students in UK universities enrolled in Social Sciences degree programs in 2021/22 | 54,815 |
| Fee income from international students in UK universities in 2022/23 | £11.8 billion |
| Fee income from international students in UK universities in 2021/22 | £9.99 billion |
| University with the highest percentage of international students in 2024 | Macau University of Science and Technology (nearly 92%) |
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What You'll Learn
International students' economic impact
The UK is an attractive destination for international students due to 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, comprising 25.2% of all higher education students in the UK. This popularity has a significant economic impact on the country.
International students contributed a massive £41.9 billion to the UK economy in the 2021/22 academic year, a substantial increase from the £25.9 billion recorded in 2018/19. This contribution is almost ten times more than what international students take out of the economy, showcasing their vital role in boosting local and national economic prosperity. The net economic impact per student was estimated at £125,000 for each EU student and £96,000 for each non-EU student in the 2021/22 cohort. This means that every 9 EU students and every 11 non-EU students generate £1 million in net economic impact for the UK.
The economic benefits of hosting international students are evident, even when accounting for the costs of public services, which were estimated at £4.4 billion for the 2021/22 cohort. The total net benefit to the UK economy was £37.4 billion, highlighting that the advantages far outweigh the expenses. The intake of international students in 2021/22 generated £37.6 billion from non-EU students and £4.3 billion from EU students.
International students are crucial to the success of UK universities, enabling them to undertake world-class teaching and research that wouldn't be possible otherwise. Higher education is a significant export industry for the UK, and the ability to attract international students showcases its competitiveness and appeal on a global scale. The UK government's international education strategy aims to increase the number of international students to at least 600,000 by 2030, recognising the financial and cultural value these students bring to the country.
In conclusion, international students have a profound economic impact on the UK, contributing billions of pounds to the economy and supporting local and national prosperity. Their presence enhances the reputation of UK universities and underscores the country's commitment to academic excellence and cultural exchange.
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Top subjects for international students
The UK is a popular destination for international students, with its universities offering a wide variety of courses and subjects. Here are some of the top subjects for international students to study in the UK:
Business and Management
Business and Management is a popular choice for international students in the UK. This subject offers a broad overview of how organisations are planned, run and operated. Students can expect to cover areas such as finance, marketing, human resources and administration. Many programmes also offer valuable placement opportunities. According to QS World University rankings, seven UK institutions offering Business Management are ranked within the top 100.
Economics
Economics is a highly popular degree choice for international students in the UK. The country has a long history of contributing to economic theories that have shaped societies worldwide. Students can expect to develop skills in mathematics and learn about a range of topics, including inflation, productivity, budgeting and market trends. The London School of Economics and Political Science, the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge are all top-ranked institutions for Economics.
Finance
The UK is known as a global financial hub, so it's no surprise that Finance is a popular subject for international students. A degree in this field will cover personal, corporate and public finance, providing graduates with excellent career prospects.
Law
Law is another challenging but rewarding subject that attracts many international students. The UK's legal system is of particular interest to international students, especially as British common law underpins a significant proportion of the world's legal systems. Most UK Law courses offer a one-year professional placement, providing valuable practical experience.
Computer Science
With the world's increasing reliance on computer systems, it's no surprise that Computer Science is a popular choice for international students. The UK boasts well-regarded computer scientists and top-ranking universities in this field. Graduates can expect excellent job prospects, with most career sectors demanding these skills.
Medicine
Medicine is a highly sought-after degree for international students, but it is a difficult one to secure a place on. The UK offers prestigious medical schools and world-class research opportunities. Many Medicine degrees allow early patient contact, helping students to apply theory to real-life medical practice.
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International students by country of origin
The UK is a popular destination for international students, with thousands of students from across the globe choosing to pursue their qualifications in its universities. In 2022/23, there were 758,855 overseas students studying at UK universities, a number that has been increasing year on year. The UK has consistently been the second most popular global destination for international students after the US, and in 2021 and 2022, it overtook Australia to reclaim second place.
The majority of non-EU international students in the UK come from China, with 151,690 students in 2023. However, in 2021/22, India sent the most students to the UK, with 126,600 entrants, more than ten times the number from the previous year. China had been the top sending country for over a decade, but new entrants from China fell in 2020/21. Other countries that feature in the top 10 for sending non-EU students to the UK include Nigeria, the United States, Hong Kong, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Canada.
International students in the UK come from diverse backgrounds, with students enrolled at universities from more than 100 nationalities. For example, Constructor University in Bremen, Germany, has students from India, Nepal, the US, Albania, Pakistan, Morocco, and China. Macau University of Science and Technology, which has the highest percentage of international students at nearly 92%English, Chinese, Portuguese, and Spanish to cater to its international student cohort.
The popularity of the UK among international students has resulted in a significant economic impact. In 2021/22, international students contributed an estimated £37.4 billion to the British economy, and international tuition fees made up the largest proportion of tuition fee income at many universities. However, there are concerns about the reliance of some UK universities on international tuition fee income, particularly from Chinese students, which could pose financial risks.
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Dependants of international students
The UK is a popular destination for international students, offering world-renowned universities and a diverse cultural environment. In recent years, there have been changes to the visa requirements for international students and their dependants.
Dependant Visa Requirements:
Previously, international students could bring their dependants to the UK on a student visa. However, as of January 2024, there are restrictions in place, and only students enrolled in designated research postgraduate programmes are allowed to bring dependants. Dependant visas must be applied for, and the application process includes providing the following:
- A birth certificate or equivalent official government-issued documentation to demonstrate the relationship.
- For children over 16, documentation confirming their residential address from two separate sources is needed to prove they are not leading an independent life.
- Fingerprints and a photo (biometric information) taken at a visa application centre.
- Any documents not in English must be accompanied by official certified translations.
Impact of the Changes:
The restriction on dependant visas for international students has had a significant impact. In the first quarter of 2024, there was an 80% decrease in dependant visas issued compared to the previous year. This change also affected the number of visas issued to international students, which saw a 15% decline.
The decision to restrict dependant visas was met with opposition from various officials, including the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, and the Secretary of State for Education, Gillian Keegan. They expressed concern that this could damage the country's ambitions, particularly in the field of science. Additionally, representatives from Universities UK International acknowledged that the policy could disproportionately affect specific groups, such as women and students from certain countries, potentially influencing their decision to study in the UK.
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International students' visa applications
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 these students come from China, with India, Nigeria, the United States, and Hong Kong also contributing significant numbers.
International students contribute significantly to the UK economy, with tuition fees from international students totalling £9.99 billion in the 2021/22 academic year. The UK government recognises the value of international students and offers various visa options to facilitate their studies in the country.
International students intending to study in the UK must apply for a visa before travelling to the country. The most common type of visa for international students is the Student Visa, which allows students aged 16 and over to pursue further or higher education in the UK. The visa application process is handled online, and applicants are required to prove their identity using the 'UK Immigration: ID Check' app or in person at a visa application centre. The visa fee is £490 per applicant, and additional costs may apply for priority processing. Students are advised not to travel to the UK before the start date given on their visa.
For students under 18 years of age, a Child Student Visa may be more appropriate. This visa is designed for those seeking to study at an independent school in the UK. The application process for this visa is similar to the Student Visa, with identity verification and online applications being standard requirements.
The UK also offers a Graduate Route Visa, which allows international students who have completed a PhD to stay in the UK for three years to live and work. Undergraduate and postgraduate students can stay for two years under the same route. Dependants of postgraduate students with this visa can also retain their leave to remain and right to work in the UK.
It is important to note that visa requirements and policies can change over time. Students are advised to regularly check the UK government website and seek guidance from their chosen university's international office to ensure they have the most up-to-date information and can successfully navigate the visa application process.
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Frequently asked questions
The UK is the second most popular global destination for international students after the US. In 2022/23, there were 758,855 international students in the UK, 95,505 from the EU and 663,355 from outside the EU. The University of Southampton has a high percentage of international students at 60.5%. Twenty universities from London feature in the top 200, making it one of the most represented cities.
The majority of non-EU students in the UK come from China, with a total of 151,690 students. India is the second non-EU country with 126,535 students, followed by Nigeria with 44,195 students.
The most popular subjects for international students in the UK include Business & Management Studies, Engineering and Technology, Computing, and Social Sciences.
