Greta Morando, co-author of the study and affiliated with IOE, University College London’s Faculty of Education and Society, stated, “Our study delves into unexplored aspects at the national level, addressing the impact of international students on the UK economy.”
Examining data from undergraduate students enrolled in English universities from 2007/8 to 2010/11, the researchers investigated the variation in exposure to international students in university programs among different cohorts.
Morando emphasized, "We found no evidence of international students adversely affecting native students’ graduation rates or degree classifications. There is also no significant impact on native students’ labor market participation and job quality six months post-graduation."
By linking data from HESA student records and Destination of Leavers from Higher Education, the researchers monitored graduates' outcomes six months after completing their studies.
The study indicated some evidence that non-EU students positively influence the salaries of domestic students, particularly high-ability graduates.
With a sample size of 509,900 students, the research also explored whether students switched between universities or subject types during their studies. It revealed "marginally relevant" findings that international students, specifically EU-domiciled students, influenced the retention of domestic students in non-STEM programs, leading them to switch to STEM degrees.
According to UCL, further analysis demonstrated that students making such changes exhibited better academic performances in terms of graduation probability and degree classification.
Sarah Cooper, a careers consultant at the University of Bristol, welcomed the research findings. She emphasized the crucial role international graduates play in addressing skills gaps, contributing to exports, and diversifying workforces.
Cooper expressed concerns about the future of the UK’s Graduate Route following the government's announcement of a review of the two-year visa option for international graduates.
The researchers also called for their findings to be considered in the context of the overall benefits that international students bring to the UK.
“Illogical students contribute to cross-subsidize UK students’ participation in higher education through tuition revenue,” highlighted UCL in its statement. Morando added, “International students contribute to the economy, help to fund universities, and can enrich the experiences of all university students by contributing to the diversity of the student body.”
