(Commonwealth_UK) A recent study by the Policy Institute at King’s College London has unveiled important trends in public opinion regarding international students in the UK higher education system. The research highlights a prevailing awareness of the significant economic benefits these students bring to the UK, alongside their contributions to providing additional opportunities for domestic students.
The survey revealed that 41% of respondents believe the advantages of having international students outweigh any associated costs. However, this statistic marks a 10% decline since 2018, indicating a slight shift in public opinion. Meanwhile, 26% of the participants desired fewer overseas students at UK universities. Notably, a significant portion of the population—58%—indicated they are comfortable with maintaining the current levels of international students, with 43% advocating for no change and 15% supporting an increase in their numbers.
Interestingly, only 18% of respondents held the belief that international students are taking places away from domestic students—a figure demonstrating a relatively low level of concern regarding competition for university slots.
Bobby Duffy, director of the Policy Institute, commented on the findings, stating, “Despite substantial increases in net migration in recent years and heightened media focus on immigration, the majority of the public continues to maintain a positive attitude towards international students coming to the UK. Nevertheless, a softening in support has emerged, likely influenced by broader discussions surrounding immigration and intensified scrutiny of the value of universities.”
The study’s methodology explored how different framings of information can affect public perception. Respondents were asked whether they preferred to see an increase, a decrease, or no change in the number of international students with two distinct groups exposed to varying narratives. One group received a negatively framed prompt, which emphasized the role of international students in contributing to the UK’s rising net migration statistics. In this context, approximately 30% expressed a preference for a reduction in the number of overseas students.
Conversely, the other group received a positively framed prompt highlighting the substantial economic contributions made by international students to the UK’s economy. Under this framing, only 17% of respondents favored a decrease in the number of international students. This disparity underscores the significance of narrative framing in shaping public attitudes toward immigration.
Duffy remarked on the implications of these findings: “Overseas students do not rank among the top concerns related to immigration, with only 29% of respondents agreeing they should even be included in migration statistics. Furthermore, half of the population acknowledges that the fees paid by international students support places for domestic students, indicating a notable awareness of the financial dynamics at play.”
The current UK government has indicated a more welcoming stance toward international students, aligning with the prevailing public sentiment. This approach is particularly critical given the acute financial challenges faced by universities in the short term. Any policy decisions that could lead to a reduction in the number of overseas students might adversely affect the financial viability of various institutions, posing a challenge to justify such moves to a public that recognizes the economic value these students provide.
In light of these findings, the UK government has announced a review of its international education strategy, involving the input of Steve Smith, the recently reappointed UK International Education Champion. The government views Smith’s reappointment as a reaffirmation of its commitment to fostering relationships with international stakeholders through education. He expressed this sentiment at a recent event unveiling NISAU‘s UK-India Achievers Honors for 2025.
In response to the survey results, a spokesperson for Universities UK International stated, “It is encouraging to see that the UK public recognizes the significant value and contributions of international students to the UK. These results are consistent with earlier polls, indicating sustained public support for international students despite some negative rhetoric. With the UK government extending a welcome to these individuals, the findings bolster the case for a more nuanced migration policy—one that recognizes both social and economic contributions while differentiating between temporary and permanent migration.”
The insights gleaned from this study reflect a complex landscape of public opinion in regards to international students in the UK. While there is a general acknowledgement of the benefits these students provide, the observed decline in support suggests that addressing public concerns regarding immigration and higher education will be essential for policymakers. Balancing the economic contributions of international students with the varying narratives surrounding immigration will be crucial as the UK navigates its educational and immigration policies in the years ahead.
