International students play a vital role in the UK’s higher education system and contribute significantly to the country’s economy and cultural diversity. According to the latest figures, there are over 500,000 international students studying in the UK, representing around 20% of the total student population. This number has consistently increased in recent years, and it is expected to continue growing in the future.
In this blog, we will explore the current state of international student enrollment in the UK, the factors contributing to this growth, and the challenges facing these students. We will also discuss the importance of international students in the UK and the potential benefits of a diverse student population. Through this analysis, it will become clear that international student numbers in the UK have consistently increased in recent years and this trend is expected to continue.
International students bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and cultural perspectives to the UK’s higher education system. They not only enrich the learning environment for domestic students, but also contribute significantly to the UK economy. According to a report by the British Council, international students in the UK generate an estimated £26 billion (approx. $35 billion) in economic activity each year.
In addition to the economic benefits, international students also contribute to the cultural diversity of the UK. They bring with them unique cultural traditions and experiences, which can help to broaden the horizons of domestic students and enrich the cultural fabric of the country.
Despite the many benefits of international students in the UK, there are also challenges that these students face. Some of the challenges include the high cost of tuition and living expenses, difficulty in finding housing and other resources, and adjusting to a new culture and language. In this blog, we will delve into these challenges and discuss ways in which they can be addressed.
Top Countries of Origin of International Students in the UK
The UK is a global hub for higher education, attracting students from all over the world. According to the latest figures from the UK’s Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), the top five countries of origin for international students in the UK are:
- China: China is by far the biggest source of international students in the UK, with over 150,000 Chinese students studying in the country in the 2019/2020 academic year. This represents nearly 30% of all international students in the UK.
- India: India is the second-largest source of international students in the UK, with over 50,000 Indian students studying in the country in the 2019/2020 academic year.
- United States: The United States is the third-largest source of international students in the UK, with over 25,000 American students studying in the country in the 2019/2020 academic year.
- Malaysia: Malaysia is the fourth-largest source of international students in the UK, with over 20,000 Malaysian students studying in the country in the 2019/2020 academic year.
- Nigeria: Nigeria is the fifth-largest source of international students in the UK, with over 10,000 Nigerian students studying in the country in the 2019/2020 academic year.
It is worth noting that these figures are likely to have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting disruptions to international travel and education. However, these five countries have consistently been among the top sources of international students in the UK in recent years.
EU International Students in the UK Statistics
In addition to students from non-EU countries, the UK also attracts a significant number of international students from other countries within the European Union (EU). According to the latest figures from the UK’s Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), there were over 100,000 EU international students studying in the UK in the 2019/2020 academic year. This represents around 20% of all international students in the UK.
The top five countries of origin for EU international students in the UK are:
- Germany: Germany is the top source of EU international students in the UK, with over 15,000 German students studying in the country in the 2019/2020 academic year.
- France: France is the second-largest source of EU international students in the UK, with over 10,000 French students studying in the country in the 2019/2020 academic year.
- Italy: Italy is the third-largest source of EU international students in the UK, with over 8,000 Italian students studying in the country in the 2019/2020 academic year.
- Spain: Spain is the fourth-largest source of EU international students in the UK, with over 7,000 Spanish students studying in the country in the 2019/2020 academic year.
- Belgium: Belgium is the fifth-largest source of EU international students in the UK, with over 5,000 Belgian students studying in the country in the 2019/2020 academic year.
It is worth noting that these figures are likely to have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting disruptions to international travel and education. However, these five countries have consistently been among the top sources of EU international students in the UK in recent years.
Most Popular Subjects for International Students in the UK
International students in the UK study a wide range of subjects, but some are more popular than others. According to the latest figures from the UK’s Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), the most popular subjects for international students in the UK are:
- Business, Administration, and Law:
- This category includes subjects such as business studies, economics, and law, and it is the most popular subject area for international students in the UK. In the 2019/2020 academic year, over 100,000 international students studied one of these subjects.
- Social Sciences:
- This category includes subjects such as sociology, politics, and psychology, and it is the second-most popular subject area for international students in the UK. In the 2019/2020 academic year, over 50,000 international students studied one of these subjects.
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM):
- This category includes subjects such as computer science, engineering, and mathematics, and it is the third-most popular subject area for international students in the UK. In the 2019/2020 academic year, over 40,000 international students studied one of these subjects.
- Humanities:
- This category includes subjects such as history, literature, and philosophy, and it is the fourth-most popular subject area for international students in the UK. In the 2019/2020 academic year, over 30,000 international students studied one of these subjects.
- Health and Medicine:
- This category includes subjects such as nursing, pharmacy, and medicine, and it is the fifth-most popular subject area for international students in the UK. In the 2019/2020 academic year, over 20,000 international students studied one of these subjects.
It is worth noting that these figures are likely to have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting disruptions to international travel and education. However, these subject areas have consistently been among the most popular for international students in the UK in recent years.