Nearly 600,000 Students Pursuing Degrees from UK Universities Abroad: Study Reveals

December 18, 2024 TruthUSA

A think tank focused on higher education is advocating for enhanced transparency regarding data on the success rates, degree outcomes, and job prospects of transnational education students.

The report by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) indicates that the number of students pursuing UK university degrees abroad has climbed close to 600,000. The research reveals a consistent increase in UK transnational education (TNE) student numbers from 2019 to 2023.

Through TNE, international students can obtain UK degrees without being physically present in the UK by engaging in distance learning, attending overseas branch campuses, or participating in university partnerships abroad.

The study, funded by the University of Reading, uncovered that approximately 16 percent of higher education students in the UK are now educated overseas. Out of the 576,705 TNE students in 2022–2023, about 25 percent were distance learners and 7 percent were situated at overseas branch campuses.

The report highlighted TNE as a pivotal strategy for UK universities to reinforce financial stability, particularly in light of dwindling international student numbers coming to the UK.

Data from 2022–2023 revealed a significant increase in overseas student numbers, reaching 758,855 as opposed to 254,000 in 2017–2018. However, the Office for Students (OfS) reported a decline in applications from both UK and international students in May.

The higher education regulator indicated that many universities will need to enact substantial changes to their financial structures soon to prevent closure.

The watchdog predicted that by 2026–2027, nearly two-thirds of institutions would be in deficit and 40 percent would face low liquidity by the end of 2024. In the worst-case scenario, more than 80 percent would be in deficit, with nearly three-quarters experiencing low liquidity levels.

International students typically pay higher fees than their counterparts in England, who have a maximum annual tuition fee cap of £9,250 for full-time undergraduate courses.

The OfS observed an increasing dependence of the higher education sector on fee income from international students, particularly when recruitment is predominantly from a single country.

The HEPI report highlighted how TNE can enhance providers’ “financial sustainability” and promote international student mobility to the UK.

Transparency

The paper urged the OfS to enhance public information and ensure the quality of TNE. It recommended that universities utilize more external surveys to gather feedback from TNE students.

The report underscored the dearth of data on student success rates, degree outcomes, and job opportunities for TNE, stressing the importance of transparency.

According to Nick Hillman, director of HEPI, over half a million students pursue UK qualifications abroad.

“It is crucial for the students and our reputation that qualifications delivered overseas match the quality of those in the UK, with robust feedback mechanisms and reliable regulation,” he added.

Chinese students stage their December graduation photographs early as they prepare to fly home in Manchester, England, on Oct. 7, 2020. (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) — Chinese students stage their December graduation photographs early as they prepare to fly home in Manchester, England, on Oct. 7, 2020. Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Caroline Baylon, international pro-vice-chancellor at the University of Reading, stressed that UK degrees delivered overseas should maintain the same quality and experience as those in the UK.

David Carter, the report’s author, acknowledged that better sharing of insights within the sector could bolster accountability and enhance the UK’s reputation.

Nishat Riaz from the British Council suggested a shift from measuring TNE success solely based on enrollment numbers and prestige. He advocated for a student-centered approach prioritizing equitable access, quality, and cultural exchange.

Josh Fleming, the OfS director of strategy and delivery, assured substantial enhancements in the collection of TNE data.

Immigration Rules

While some international students prefer direct UK study, the TNE pathway presents various advantages, especially considering the escalating living costs in Britain and alterations to immigration regulations.

Starting January 2024, international students enrolled in most postgraduate taught courses are no longer allowed to bring family members to the UK. These changes were implemented under the previous Conservative government and remain effective under the current Labour government.

In the period between January and March, the number of dependent visas for foreign student relatives plummeted by approximately 80 percent compared to the same quarter in 2023.

In a statement delivered in July, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson expressed that international students have been politically contested for too long and should be valued guests. She reaffirmed the government’s stance of welcoming international students to the UK.

PA Media contributed to this report.

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