A recent study by the Policy Institute at King’s College London has provided insights into public opinion and their support for the number of international students at UK universities.
It revealed that the majority of people recognise the significant economic benefits from international students, as well as their role in providing places for domestic students at universities.
Some 41% of respondents believe that the benefits of international students outweigh the costs, a figure that is down 10% from 2018. Meanwhile, some 26% say they want fewer overseas students to attend UK universities.
Some 58% of respondents say they would be happy for the number of international students in the UK to stay the same (43%) or increase (15%).
Meanwhile, a minority – 18% – believed that overseas students take places away from domestic students.
“Despite large rises in net migration in recent years and increased focus on immigration in the media and politics, the majority of the public still have a positive view of overseas students coming to the UK,” said Bobby Duffy, director of the Policy Institute at King’s College London.
“But there has been some softening in support over recent years, which will likely reflect that greater focus on immigration generally, alongside some increased questioning of the value of universities as a whole.”
The survey’s methodology also looked into how the the formulation of information affects public views.
Researchers posed the question whether the public would like to see more, the same or fewer international students at UK universities to two separate groups.
One group was presented with a negative framing, with the questioning emphasising that international students were a major factor in the UK’s increasing net migration, leading to some 30% expressing a desire to see fewer international students in the country.
Contrastingly, the other group was asked in a more positive framing, with the questioning highlighting the great economic contribution that overseas students bring to the UK. This time, only 17% of respondents wanted to see fewer international students.
Duffy commented: “Overseas students are nowhere near the top of the list when it comes to public concern about immigration, with only 29% saying they should even be included in migration stats. There is also surprisingly high recognition among the public that the fees paid by these overseas students help universities support places for domestic students, with half of the public aware of this.”
Overseas students are nowhere near the top of the list when it comes to public concern about immigration
Bobby Duffy, the Policy Institute at King’s College London
“The current government has signalled a more open approach, stating that international students are welcome in the UK, which fits with the balance of public opinion. Given the very real short-term pressures on university finances, any moves that further reduced overseas student numbers could have severe implications for the viability of some institutions, and would be difficult to justify to a public who are aware of the financial contribution these students make to the sector.”
The UK government recently announced it will review the UK’s international education strategy with the input of Steve Smith, recently reappointed as UK international education champion.
Smith believes his reappointment is a signal of the government’s understanding of the importance of building relationships with governments and stakeholders abroad through education, he said at a recent event launching NISAU’s UK-India Achievers Honours for 2025.
In response to the survey results, a spokesperson for Universities UK International told The PIE News: “It is encouraging to see that the UK public recognises the significant value and contributions of international students to the UK.
“These results are consistent with earlier polls, showing sustained public support for international students despite some negative rhetoric. With the UK government sending a clear message of welcome to international students, these findings reinforce the case for a more nuanced approach to migration policy – one that considers social and economic contributions and distinguishes between temporary and permanent migration.”
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