International Students Including Indians Contributes 10 Time More to the UK's Economic Status Than They Take Out

According to the data of 2020–21, Indians are the second-largest group of foreign students enrolling in UK universities, with 87,045 first-year enrollments, trailing only China (99,965 enrollments) and surpassing Nigeria (32,945).

International students increase both local and national economic well-being by contributing roughly ten times more to the economy than they take out, according to Dr. Gavan Conlon, Partner at London Economics, who were hired to do the analysis.

However, overseas students also make it possible for universities to conduct cutting-edge research and teaching that would not be possible otherwise. The achievement of universities in drawing in international students should be commended since it represents one of the UK's most important export businesses, he said.

The analysis was commissioned by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI), Universities UK International (UUKi), and Kaplan International Pathways in response to an ongoing political discussion about potential restrictions on dependent visas for international students as well as potential reductions in their post-study work visa rights.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman reportedly wants to crack down on international students who bring in dependents because it is thought that this contributes to the nation's skyrocketing migration rates.

According to Nick Hillman, Director of HEPI (an independent group), "Despite conflicting messages from policymakers, the number of overseas students has been rapidly increasing, demonstrating the UK's appeal to individuals seeking to improve themselves through education."

“It is crucial that any future modifications to the laws governing overseas students must be supported by facts rather than arbitrary judgements. Therefore, the purpose of this report is to support the current body of data. In the lead-up to the next election, we hope that every candidate from every major political party will read it,” he said.

‘The costs and benefits of international higher education students to the UK’ demonstrates that between 2018–19 and 2021–22, the total economic benefits from international students increased by 34%, from 31.3 billion to 41.9 billion pounds.

The information demonstrates that "hosting international students has significant economic benefits that far outweigh the costs, with a total net benefit of 37.4 billion pounds to the UK economy," according to the research. According to the report's data, every eleven non-EU students contribute positively to the UK economy in the amount of 1 million pounds.

According to Jamie Arrowsmith, Director of UUKi, the organisation that represents 140 universities in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, "International students must continue to find the UK to be a friendly and open country, and their contributions must be acknowledged."

In terms of study visas, Indians have surpassed Chinese applicants, according to the more recent census statistics. This increase is partly attributed to the relatively recent Graduate Route visa, which was introduced in July 2021 and gives overseas students the opportunity to continue working after earning their degree. Any restrictions on visas are likely to make the UK less appealing to Indian students.

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