Last Updated on July 30, 2023
International students make up a significant part of the UK’s world-class education system. In recent years the UK has seen an increasing number of overseas students enrolling in primary, secondary, and higher education. It is widely known that overseas students are drawn to the UK as it offers high-quality education with well-recognised schools and universities, a track record of academic success, and a culturally diverse environment.
How Many International Students Are Studying at UK Independent Schools?
Thousands of students from all over the world choose to study at British independent schools every year. According to the 2023 Independent Schools Council (ISC) census the total number of students in ISC schools stands at 554,243, of which 61,803 are non-British students.
How Many International Students Transition Into UK Higher Education?
The 2023 ISC annual census indicates that 92% of pupils who studied at ISC British independent schools transitioned into higher education within the UK. 50% of those pupils joined the UK’s top universities, and a further 4% gained a place at either Cambridge or Oxford (Oxbridge).
How Many International Students Are Studying at UK Universities?
The Higher Education Statistics Agencyโs (HESA) January 2023 bulletin revealed that the number of non-UK students studying at higher education institutions in the United Kingdom was was 679,970 (2021-2022), indicating a 12% increase compared to the year before.
The figures indicated that the additional students in higher education institutions was driven by the growth of non-EU students. The number of non-EU students stood at 559,825 which was an increase of more than 10% from 2021/2022.
Most Popular UK Universities for Non-EU Students
Check out the map below to find the most popular universities for non-EU students who are studying in the UK.
Most Popular UK Universities for EU Students
Check out the map below to find out which UK universities are the most popular with EU students.
Where Do Most International Students in the UK Come From?
The number of non-domestic students (both from non-European and European countries) in the United Kingdom higher education system has consistently increased according to HESA data from 2012 to 2022. Weโve split this into two segments, Non-EU and EU students below.
Non-EU International Students in UK Higher Education
HESA’s 2021/22 statistical bulletin indicates that most international students in the UK were from China, representing 27% of non-EU international students. China continues to be the number one source of all international student enrolments, with the number of students from China has increased by 44,475 or 41% over the five-year period 2017/18 to 2021/22.
India follows China. While the numbers of student enrolments from India are not as high as from China, there has been a notable increase of 106,200 over the five-year period, with large increases observed in 2019/20 and 2021/22.
EU International Students in UK Higher Education
The number one European country with the most students in the UK higher education system in 2021/2022 was France, totalling 11,870 students.
Italy followed France with 11,320 in 2021/22.
If youโre an overseas student looking to study in the UK, the OBAS Groupย is here to help. We offer courses from the best British educational institutions, ranging from summer schools to full primary, secondary and further education programs. Please contact usย with any queries or visit ourย FAQ pageย to learn more about what we offer.
