A Growing Overseas Student Population
According to the House of Commons Library under the UK Parliament, the UK welcomed over 600,000 international students by 2020, and this number has steadily increased. In 2022/23, international students made up 26% of the total student population at UK universities—758,855 students in total—with around 1/7 from the EU and the rest from outside the EU. That academic year alone saw approximately 459,200 new international student enrolments.
Brexit
In January 2020, the UK officially left the European Union, which significantly changed the landscape for EU students studying in the UK. Before Brexit, EU students paid the same tuition fees as UK students. However, starting with the 2021/22 cohort, EU students began paying international student fees, aligning their tuition costs with those from outside Europe. Additionally, EU students lost eligibility for UK student loans, meaning visas, healthcare, and study-related support now follow the same protocols as non-EU international students.
Economic and Financial Contributions
International students play a vital role in the UK higher education system, contributing significantly to the nation’s economy. Based on the 2021/22 cohort, every group of 11 non-EU students generated an impressive £1 million in economic impact, collectively driving an estimated £41.9 billion across all degree levels.
Beyond tuition, international students contribute significantly to the economy through living expenses. Their non-tuition expenditures amounted to £18.6 billion, with visiting family and friends bringing in an additional half a billion pounds in revenue that year.
While hosting international students does incur public costs—including healthcare, education for dependents, and public services— the estimated expenditure was £12,000 per student, totalling £4.4 billion annually. Even after accounting for these costs, the UK's economy benefits from a net profit of about £37.5 billion annually. With international student numbers growing consistently, the financial advantages for the UK are substantial.
Final Thoughts
International students bring more than just numbers—they enrich society, foster cultural exchange, and strengthen global ties. Their presence fuels academic excellence, supports local businesses, and contributes to a diverse and innovative learning environment. The numbers clearly show their economic value, but their impact goes far beyond monetary benefits.
