A new report has revealed the growing importance of international students to local economies throughout the UK.
Published by Universities UK International, the Higher Education Policy Institute and Kaplan International Pathways in collaboration with London Economics, the report shows that the economic benefit of international students rose from £31.3bn to £41.9bn between 2018/19 and 2021/22, with, on average, each of the 650 parliamentary constituencies in the UK being £58m (per constituency) better off because of international students – equivalent to approximately £560 per citizen.
However, for the Canterbury constituency alone, the net economic impact on the UK economy was a staggering £127.3 million, which equates to approximately £1,045 per member of the district’s resident population – almost twice the national average
The report also confirms that the economic benefits of hosting international students significantly outweigh the costs, with a total net benefit of £37.4bn to the UK economy.
The University of Kent has a reputation for being one of the most culturally diverse universities in the UK. Our portfolio of programmes reflects the diverse needs and best interests of our growing international community of students, whilst our range of global partnerships continues to expand. We are also fully committed to making use of new technologies and alternative pathways in order to give students across the globe wider access to our academic provision.
Professor Karen Cox, the University’s Vice-Chancellor and President, said: ‘Our international students make a positive contribution to the country and our region in many ways. They enrich the culture, society and economy of the cities and towns they live and study in, and contribute immensely to the diversity of our campuses and the academic and cultural experience of UK students. I am proud and grateful that our university remains popular for international students and look forward to welcoming all those who will be joining us in the next academic year.’
Dr Anthony Manning, the University’s Director and Dean of Global and Lifelong Learning, added: ‘Here at Kent, we are passionate about higher education which provides an internationalised curriculum and creates world-leading research. Our international students and researchers play an essential role in our commitment to global engagement and civic impact, and it is exciting to see their contribution to our city and our wider educational environment recognised in this important manner.’
Jamie Arrowsmith, Director of Universities UK International, commented: ‘We should be proud that our universities continue to attract students from all over the world. It is vital that the UK remains an open and welcoming destination for international students, and that their contribution is recognised and valued. Higher education is one of the UK’s most important and successful exports – but it is truly unique, in that alongside generating a significant economic contribution to the UK our universities have a hugely positive global impact, creating opportunity for millions of learners and helping address some of the most pressing global challenges.’
