PRESS RELEASE UK: Emerging Futures II

Despite the UK hitting its target of 600k international students nearly a decade early, increasing interest in Australia as it reopens its borders relegates the UK to third place in the chart of most popular study destinations, new IDP research reveals.   

The Emerging Futures research, conducted by global education specialists IDP Education in August 2022, paints a positive picture for students and the global international education industry however, it does provide a word of warning for the UK.

The survey, which collates the views of more than 11,000 prospective students, applicants and current students shows that only a fifth of students are choosing the UK as their first-choice destination, 25 per cent of students selected Australia, closely behind Canada, for whom 27 per cent of respondents chose as their first choice. This represents a five per cent increase in popularity for Australia compared to the previous survey back in March 2022.

Simon Emmett, CEO of IDP Connect, said the new findings come at a time when international higher education is at its most competitive.

“Now, all major destination countries around the world are vying for students and the sector is strongly rebounding,” Mr Emmett said.

“Students are clear that they want clear career pathways and job opportunities during their studies – the countries that are able to welcome students and support them in this way will be the most attractive to future generations of students.”

As previous research has shown, the UK’s offer of high-quality education is a key driver of choice for students, as is the attractiveness of UK institutions, however, it is clear that students' perceptions of the cost of a UK education and a lack of job opportunities on graduation are preventing many of them from choosing the UK as their destination of choice. 

Jamie Arrowsmith, Acting Director, Universities UK International, commented: 

"The UK government exceeded its ambition to increase international student recruitment to 600,000 a year, years ahead of schedule. This was a fantastic achievement. However, as this timely report demonstrates vividly, if the UK wants to build on this success, then it is vital that we continue to be open and welcoming to international students, and that we ensure that the UK's offer to globally mobile students remains competitive. The UK can't afford to stand still."

For the first time, the research also looked in depth at the experience of newly enrolled students, comparing prospective student expectations with the reality of studying overseas.

For students who have not yet commenced their studies, their greatest concerns included balancing part-time work and study, not having enough money and adapting to a new culture and way of learning. 

Overall, current students are generally positive about their study experiences with 81 per cent of UK based students saying that the academic support they had received from their institution had been met or exceeded their expectations and 83 per cent saying the lifestyle had met or exceeded their expectations. However, 28 per cent stated that around financial support, their expectations had not been met. Of concern to the UK, current students in Australia, according to the research, appear to be having a more positive experience than those in the UK.

The research also identified a correlation between poor mental health and students working either fewer than 10 hours per fortnight or more than 40 hours per fortnight, as well as those living alone or off campus. Mental health issues were also impacting students’ ability to succeed academically, with nearly three-quarters stating that it had impacted their ability to study. Simon Emmett, CEO, IDP Connect, said the findings demonstrate the rebound of the sector, but also come at a time when the international education landscape is at its most competitive, and students face new challenges.

“With open borders and attractive post-study work policies, destinations are going head-to-head to attract international students. However, at the same time, many countries are facing socioeconomic instability, and students are navigating new emerging challenges,” Mr Emmett said.

“For the first time, we can see clear differences in the prospective student mindset compared to currently enrolled students. Our research series has shown students are incredibly determined and ambitious, but the new findings demonstrate that the onshore experience can be tough. 

“Notably, the findings highlight the pressures students face when juggling studies and part time work, as well as feelings of isolation. To help address this, IDP is committed to working with the sector to prioritise support for students so they can thrive in their studies and feel connected to communities,” he said. 

Notes to editor:

Media Contact Jonah Duffin Jonah.duffin@idp.com