Decline in global appeal of UK universities piling pressure on local economies

Cities like Coventry are experiencing financial strain due to an ongoing fall in the volume of international students.

This continues a current nationwide trend in which the UK as a whole has been experiencing a marked decline in its appeal as a dream destination for international students.

The number of UK sponsored study visas dropped by 31% between 2023 and 2024 according to Home Office figures, falling from 600,024 to 415,103. This significant reduction in sponsorship is indicative of the overall restriction on immigration through stricter policies and increased barriers to post-study work opportunities.

Coventry in particular has been heavily affected, as the city relies greatly on international students.

In 2023, [Coventry University] enrolled more than 16,000 non-UK students, amounting to almost half its student population

Coventry University is facing growing financial pressure, which has led to talks about potential job cuts due to the loss of this significant international student body.

In 2023, the University enrolled more than 16,000 non-UK students, amounting to almost half its student population. This represented the second highest percentage of international students outside London of universities with at least 10,000 students.

Coventry students spoke to the BBC about the difficult predicament of international students.

Jingwen Yuan told of how she has been unable to find work, despite paying £3,000 for a visa after graduating from Coventry University. Meanwhile, biosciences student Abdullah Sayyed highlighted that visa restrictions and increasing tuition fees – which are often double those of home students – are playing a significant role in deterring prospective students.

Another major factor impacting this decline has been Brexit.

The number of European international students significantly declined from August 2021 due to the end of tuition fee support. Additionally, enticing schemes like the Erasmus+ programme have been withdrawn from the UK and replaced by the less reciprocal Turing Scheme, which funds UK students studying or working abroad, but does not support incoming international students.

Coventry’s local economy – which generates £651 million annually from international students – is suffering, with estate agents in the city noting how landlords are selling off student housing at higher rates than before

The consequences of these actions ripple far beyond the university ecosystem.

Coventry’s local economy – which generates £651 million annually from international students – is suffering, with estate agents in the city noting how landlords are selling off student housing at higher rates than before.

Vivienne Stern, CEO of Universities UK, warned of the effects of this trend on small businesses and local communities.

“There are people in all sorts of walks of life who benefit from the fact that universities bring students in who spend money in shops and cafes – local businesses, getting their hair cut, taking taxis.

“It really contributes to economies right across the UK, and I think that’s really special.”

The change in immigration policy and growing global competition is posing a threat to the UK’s talent diversity and economic stability, leading to growing calls for the country to reassess its approach to international education.