The United Kingdom is perhaps the most popular destination for study abroad for international students. From world-class universities to the innovative teaching approach to the leading minds who deliver it make the UK an unbeatable choice for education. More than half a million students enrolled themselves in the universities of the UK. As per stats for 2021/22, the number of international students in the UK is 679, 970, and 559, 825 students are from outside the European Union.
You must know students dream of pursuing a study program in the UK as it’s not only about getting an education, you grow as a different person, and you turn out to be a gem whom every company would want. A student from Oxford University gets global recognition without making much effort. This is why international students want to Study in UK.
In the UK, you would see two groups of international students, one from the European Union and another from the non-European Union. The total number of non-European Union undergraduate students in the UK is 452, 225 and that of postgraduates is 205, 690.
The key difference that has been seen in the majority of postgraduates from non-European Union. The entire strength of postgraduates is 246, 535 and that non-European Union is 205, 690. 83% of postgraduates in the UK are from the non-European Union, which is a big number and you must be seeing your chances too.
International Student Growth Over the Years
Growth Trend of International Students in the UK Over the Years
- The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), 2021/2022 statistics say, the UK has enrolled 679,970 international students in the current session.
- Compared to the figures for the previous year’s international students, the total number of international students has increased, which is 605,130.
- Compared to 2020/2021, the number of international students in the UK has surged to 12.3%.
- The total number of students at the Higher Education level in the UK is 2,862,620 throughout all colleges. The increase is 4.02% compared to 2020/2021 students which was 2,751,865.
- As per the Higher Education Statistics Agency, there were 556,985 foreign students pursuing their degrees in the UK in 2019/2020. The number has grown from the previous year which included a total of 496,110 students (2018/2019).
Top Source Countries for International Students
| Rank | Country | Percentage of all international students |
| 1 | China | 19.8% |
| 2 | India | 5.3% |
| 3 | Nigeria | 4.1% |
| 4 | USA | 3.8% |
| 5 | Malaysia | 3.5% |
| 6 | Germany | 3.4% |
| 7 | Hong Kong | 3.1% |
Top reasons for choosing the UK as a study destination
Quality Education
When it comes to quality education, the UK is unbeatable as four of the top ten global universities are located in the UK. The two globally acclaimed universities are Cambridge University and Oxford University. The sole purpose of these universities is to provide quality education to their students. Professional bodies prepare the curriculum and conduct evaluations of departments in each institute.
International recognition
Students are awarded internationally recognized from these universities. As they have proved themselves by offering quality education, the value of their certificates is in great demand across the world.
Growing Destination
The UK stands second after the USA when international students wish to pursue higher studies. The number of international students has consistently been rising in the UK.
Financial support
Most students come from China, India, Nigeria, Hong Kong, and Malaysia, countries whose currency value is lower than the UK, and thus they need financial support. Seeing this, the UK government offers a lot of financial support for their international students.
The scholarships these universities provide make studies affordable for students in the UK. There are multiple scholarships where international students can apply and support their costs of living and education.
To learn more about why the UK is the best destination for international students, click here.
Top Cities for International Students to Study in the UK
London– London is the most popular city for international students in the UK with 40 colleges and universities. Without a doubt, students choose this city to pursue their studies. Apart from providing academic excellence, the capital city of the UK offers a wide range of possibilities for leisure pursuits to students including theatres, museums, proximity to the greatest pubs and restaurants, and landscapes with breathtaking scenery.
Edinburgh– Edinburgh stands second to London in popularity for the best city to study. The beautiful capital city of Scotland draws a large number of foreign students to study abroad. The highlights of the education in Edinburgh are giving seamless academic and professional experience to students that improves their technical knowledge.
Manchester– Manchester- The city has truly earned the 30th position in QS’s list of the Best Student Cities for 2022. If you want to study in the colleges of the city, you will be happy to experience a multicultural and welcoming community where residents are eager to engage and support international students in any way they can.
Studying in the UK has no alternative, as who would want to miss being part of Oxford University or a similar kind of university? If you also want to study here, look no back. Craydel is always there to guide you to the best university in the UK. You just need to fill out our form.
