Report: International students, including Indians, contribute nearly 10 times more into the UK economy

There is a positive net impact in the economy of the United Kingdom because of international students, including Indians according to a report.

Leading UK higher education institutions’ report, which was released in London on Tuesday, comes at a time as concerns about a crackdown on international student visas as part of UK government efforts to reduce immigration levels are mounting.

As per the 2020-21 data, Indians represent the second largest cohort of international students coming to study at UK universities with 87,045 first-year enrolments behind China’s 99,965 enrolments and ahead of Nigeria’s 32,945.

Focussing on the 2020-21 statistics, the report claims a 96,000 pounds per non European Union (EU) student benefit to the economy which covers students from countries like India.

The Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI), Universities UK International (UUKi), and Kaplan International Pathways had commissioned the organisation to conduct the analysis amid ongoing political debate relating to potential visa restrictions for international students’ dependants and potential reductions in their post-study work visa rights.

According to UK media reports, Home Secretary Suella Braverman is looking to clampdown on overseas students bringing in dependants as it is seen as adding to soaring migration figures.