Russell Group response to report on benefits of international students to the UK

16 May 2023

In response to the report published by Universities UK International (UUKi), the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) and Kaplan International on The costs and benefits of international higher education students to the UK published today (16 May 2023), Dr Tim Bradshaw, Chief Executive of the Russell Group, said:

"International students make a huge contribution to the UK, enriching the learning environment for domestic students and supporting the provision of high-quality education and research across the country.

 "With most international students staying in the UK temporarily, serious consideration should be given to counting only those staying permanently in net migration figures, as is the case in other major global student destinations like the US.

"The global market for international students is highly competitive and huge economic value is placed on the export income these students bring to countries such as the US, Canada and Australia. The Government should work with the sector to ensure the UK remains an attractive destination for those studying around the world, including making sure the graduate route is internationally competitive and helping to promote it in a diverse range of markets."

Notes

The Russell Group briefing on the contribution of international students to the UK, International Students: a UK success story, can be found here.

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