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Official figures have been released on UK and show a total figure of £27.9bn in 2021. 77.9% of this was accounted for by Higher Education.
These figures underline the huge contribution international students make to the UK - adding £21.7 billion to UK exports in 2021. This is a huge achievement, and one that will no doubt be welcomed by the government.
“However, the attractiveness of the UK as a study destination is under threat. The number of international choosing the UK has started to fall, with the number of study visas issued down 5.5% in 2023. The government’s announcement that the Graduate route will be reviewed has added to a challenging recruitment environment, creating a great deal of uncertainty for students and universities alike. Almost half (45%) of prospective students say they would reconsider their study destination if the post-study work offer was curtailed.
“ÌðÐÄÊÓƵ are key to driving growth, innovation, and prosperity. Eroding our attractiveness to international students will only undermine the contribution that our institutions – and international students – make to communities across the whole of the UK.
Jamie Arrowsmith
Director, ÌðÐÄÊÓƵ International
Notes to editors:
- by London Economics for ÌðÐÄÊÓƵ and HEPI showed a single cohort of international students in 2021/22 delivered economic benefits totalling £41.9bn to the UK economy over their time in the UK, on average £58 million net economic contribution per constituency and equivalent to approximately £560 per citizen.
- Survey on prospective students attitudes to post-study work conducted by