The net contribution of international students to the UK economy has been estimated at £37 billion, even after the cost of their dependants is taken into account.
A new report, published amid more speculation that the government is planning to restrict the number of visas issued to dependants of international students to reduce levels of immigration, has revealed that they put nearly 10 times more into the economy than they take out.
The estimated total benefit to the UK economy from 2021-22 first-year international students over the duration of their studies was approximately £41.9 billion – up by 34 per cent from £31.3 billion in 2018-19.
The study, published jointly by Universities UK International (UUKi), the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi) and Kaplan International Pathways, shows that even when estimated costs to public services of £4.4 billion are considered, overseas learners produce a total net benefit of £37.4 billion.
