UK Higher Education is repeatedly recognised as one of the top education systems in the world, frequently being a driving force for overseas investors and migrants wanting to settle in the UK with their families. From early years to higher education, the UK is renowned for its high academic standards.Often being the most popular destination for international students to commence their university studies, the UK is now seeing record numbers of overseas applicants, according to UK-based university and admissions organisation UCAS, whose main role is to operate the application process for British universities.
Despite the challenges introduced by the pandemic, it seems the number of international students is set to further increase over the next four years with a 40% increase in demand for university places, as predicted by UCAS.
The UK is noted for its world-class education system; however, the country also holds many other attractive qualities for migrants. With one of the best healthcare systems in the world, high quality of life and multicultural society, the UK holds many attractive qualities not only for international students but whole families too.
UCAS Chief Executive Clare Marchant spoke recently during a seminar, where she noted that internationally there is a “real appetite for UK Higher Education” with applicants from countries such as China, India, Nigeria, and Ghana all wanting to come and study in the UK. “Internationally we are still seeing demand holding up – up 14 per cent from last year – so year-on-year increasing,” Marchant added during the seminar.
It is expected that prospective students will soon face unprecedented competition to get into UK universities, over the next 5 years, with UCAS warning that more than one million students will be applying for spaces across some of the country’s best institutions. This means that many foreign nationals, who are looking to enter the UK for residency and education purposes, may face increased competition over the next few years, so early application is crucial.
Chinese students are the largest group of international students in the UK, with analysts suggesting that the current US-visa restrictions have contributed to the increasing number of entrants from China for higher education in the UK over the last few years.
According to The Times, there were 28,490 young people from China applying to UK universities this year alone.
However, the UK is also seeing an increasing number of international applicants from nations such as India, Nigeria, and Ghana as the appetite for UK higher education grows.
Sources: