International Student Statistics in UK 2023: Trends, Insights and Forecasts

The UK has long been a top destination for international students seeking high-quality education and cultural experiences. Every year, thousands of students from around the world flock to the UK to pursue their academic dreams. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on international student enrollment and mobility.

In this article, we will delve into the latest international student statistics in the UK for 2023. We will explore key trends, insights, and forecasts that will shape the upcoming academic year.

International Students in UK Growth Trend Over the Years

• According to 2021/2022 statistics from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), there are currently 679,970 international students pursuing their degrees in the UK.
• The total international student number has experienced an increase from the previous year’s statistics, which encompassed 605,130 international students.
  Compared to the previous year (2020/2021), the number of international students in the UK has experienced significant growth. Specifically, an increase of 12.3%.
• The total number of students enrolled in Higher Education institutions in the UK currently stands at 2,862,620 across all institutions. This is an increase of 4.02% compared to the total number of students in the 2020/2021 academic year (2,751,865).
• The Higher Education Statistics Agency reported 556,985 international students pursuing their degrees in the UK in 2019/2020. The number has experienced an increase from the previous year’s statistics which encompassed a total of 496,110 students (2018/2019)
• The UK Government has announced that the number of students who were granted a Sponsored Study (Tier 4) visa in the year ending in September 2019 was 276,889.
• This has shown to be a 16% increase from the previous year and was noted to be the highest level of Tier 4 granted visas since the year 2011.
  The total number of students enrolled in Higher Education institutions as of 2018/2019 is 2,456,545, including both international as well as students whose home country is the UK. This has shown a 1.7% increase from 2017/18 with 2,414,745 students.
• In 2022, the majority, or 22.3% of international students in the UK, come from China, meaning that there are roughly 151,690 students from China studying in the UK.
  26.1% of first-year non-UK students, a total of 99,965, are international students arriving from China.

 

Why UK is the best place to pursue higher education?

• As an international student, you are not alone; students from all over the world pick the United Kingdom as their study location. You’ll encounter folks from many countries and cultures.
• In the United Kingdom, you can find a course in almost every subject. So go ahead and study what you want.
  In the United Kingdom, you are free to practice your faith.
• International student societies exist at UK universities, where your concerns are handled.
• University admission in the United Kingdom is generally straightforward. Once you’ve been accepted, your university will provide you with all of the details you’ll need to travel and settle in as a student in the UK.
• In the United Kingdom, you can obtain a degree in less time than in other countries.
• Universities in the United Kingdom are known for their academic excellence.
• Student visas in the United Kingdom are easier to get than in other nations.

 

EU International Students in UK

• As of 2020/21, the total number of enrollments from EU countries is 152,905.
• There are currently 109,145 EU students enrolled in UK universities at the undergraduate level.
• There are 43,765 EU students enrolled at the postgraduate level.

 

• Non-EU International Students in UK
• The total number of Non-EU students enrolled in all higher education levels in the UK is 452,225.
• The total number of Non-EU undergraduate students is 205,690.
• There are currently 246,535 students enrolled at the postgraduate level.

 

       Top Universities for International Students in UK

• Coventry University has the highest number of EU undergraduates (3,425).
• In comparison, the University of Cambridge has the highest number of EU postgraduate students (1,385).
• The Open University holds the highest number of students from England (110,475), followed by students from Scotland (21,615) and Wales with 14,290 students.

 

As of 2022, the UK remains one of the top destinations for international students around the world. According to the latest data, there are over 500,000 international students enrolled in UK universities, making up about 20% of the total student population.

Over the past decade, the number of international students in the UK has been steadily increasing, with a 3.9% growth rate in 2021. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, as more and more students seek high-quality education and cultural experiences in the UK.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on international student enrollment and mobility. Travel restrictions, visa issues, and health and safety concerns have made it more difficult for international students to study abroad.

Despite these challenges, the UK government has implemented a number of measures to support international students, including streamlined visa processes, financial aid packages, and flexible study options.

Overall, the current state of international student enrollment in the UK is still strong, with opportunities for growth and innovation in the coming years.

 

Top International Student Countries of Origin

The (non-EU) country with the most international students in the UK is China with 143,820 students, followed by India with 84,555.
The third country with the most international students in the UK is Nigeria with 21,305 students; after Nigeria, the United States is fourth with 19,220 students.
Hong Kong ranks fifth from non-EU (16,655), followed by Pakistan (12,975), Malaysia (11,150), Saudi Arabia with 8,825.
Other non-EU countries bringing the most international students are the United Arab Emirates with 7,070 students, Canada with 6,785 students, Bangladesh with 6,665 students, and Singapore (6,580).
Italy is the top country with the most international students in the UK from the EU, with 14,605 students, followed by France (14,090).
Other EU countries with the most international students in the UK include Romania (12,860), Spain (12,290), Germany (12,250), Poland (10,755), Ireland (9,740), Greece (9,555), Portugal with 8,470 students, and Cyprus (8,335).

 

Trends in International Student Enrollment
The UK has seen a number of trends in international student enrollment in recent years. One of the most notable trends is the overall growth in the number of international students studying in the UK.

In addition to this growth, there has been a shift in the top sending countries for international students. While China has long been the top sending country, there has been an increase in the number of students coming from India and other countries in Asia.

Another trend in international student enrollment is the popularity of certain fields of study. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs remain the most popular fields of study for international students in the UK, followed by business and management, and arts and humanities.

There has also been an increase in the number of international students pursuing postgraduate degrees in the UK. This is partly due to the high quality of UK universities and the opportunities for research and innovation.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on these trends. The pandemic has led to a decrease in the number of international students overall, and has disrupted travel and mobility for those who are still able to study abroad.

Moving forward, it will be interesting to see how these trends evolve in the post-pandemic world, and how the UK can continue to attract and support international students.