UK Forecasts a 46% Increase in International Undergraduate Enrolment by 2026

UCAS forecasts a 46% increase in international students by 2026.  A new report by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service(UCAS), and the College Board forecast that the number of international undergraduate applicants in the UK will increase to 208,500 by 2026. The report was prepared after the completion of the survey by 1,300 students planning to study abroad.

Drawing on UCAS data and an early 2022 survey of prospective students conducted by the College Board highlights the continued appeal of the UK as a study destination. The quality and reputation of higher education, the perception as a safe place to live and study, and the opportunity to learn a new language and culture were the key factors to choose the UK for studying abroad.

What does the survey say about the UK?

The survey focuses on international students’ mindsets and what they want from their higher education experience. It showed that international students apply for a focused group of subjects, and are highly independent with their research. Around half of them are following in their parents’ footsteps. It is forecasted that there will be a sustained growth in interest to study in UK to continue into the next decade. 

• With borders opening up again, the survey responses emphasize that experiencing life in a different country, that is safe, and with a strong academic reputation, are the main motivations.
• Students from across the globe still hold the UK’s universities in the highest regard, with renewed interest in living and learning.
• During the pandemic, 88% of the international students considered the UK as a positive or very positive place to study, with 77% of students applying because of the strong academic reputation of the United Kingdom.
• In 2021, around half of international students accepted through UCAS to study at the universities in UK. They came mainly from 7 countries, with 2 in every 9 coming from China.

Other Highlights of Survey:

10% of international students start dreaming of studying abroad before entering their 12th year.  Despite the difficulties of the pandemic, international students have followed the opportunities available to them.

• Nigerian students choose their study abroad countries that help them in gaining skills to build their careers (chosen by 80% of Nigerian respondents), 
• The Indian students give priority to the countries having ‘better quality (75% of respondents from Indians)
• Opportunities after graduation are more important for those wanting to study in USA (57%), Singapore (54%), and UK (54%).
• Experiencing life abroad is more important to those considering Italy (75%) and Netherlands (72%).
• Students want to hear from students, like open days (40%) and interaction with current students (39%) are increasingly for research.
• Students are 5 times more likely to say obtaining a job in their study country, rather than their home nation, is their top priority.

UK: Most Preferred Study Abroad Destination 

UNESCO reports that a total of 5.6 million students study in a different nation to their home country. The UK continues to be the second leading host destination for international students, after the US. Both the countries collectively host around 30% of international students.

In the past decade, UCAS( the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) has helped 1.3 million students around the world secure their place at universities in the UK. It has recently launched Myriad, a dedicated platform for international postgraduate students coming to the UK.