The UK Universities with the Most International Students, and Why the Number is Growing!

At Urban Student, we get to see the incredible impact international students have on the city of Bristol and the UK. Every year, more and more international students choose to study in Bristol, and we absolutely love having them as part of our community. We’re pleased to see the international student market booming, and it’s something we celebrate because they bring so much positivity to our city.

But before we dive into why international students are such a great addition to the UK, let’s take a look at just how many international students are attending UK Universities. According to the Complete Universities Guide, here are the top 10 UK universities with the most international students for the 2023/2024 academic year:

Top 10 UK Universities with the Most International Students (2023/2024)

1. London School of Economics and Political Science – 65.1%
2. University of the Arts, London – 55.0%
3. LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) – 52.1%
4. Royal College of Music – 51.9%
5. Imperial College London – 51.7%
6. Royal Academy of Music – 50.3%
7. University College London – 54.3%
8. University of Hertfordshire – 49.9%
9. University of East London – 46.1%
10. Coventry University – 46.0%

At University of Bristol, 30.6% students came from international backgrounds during the same academic year. That means 10,765 international students chose to study here.

Why International Students Are A Huge Positive for the UK

International students are vital for the UK, and here’s why:

1. They Bring Cultural Diversity and New Perspectives

International students create a diverse atmosphere on campus. They share different ideas, customs, and experiences that make university life more exciting and interesting for everyone. UK students benefit from meeting people from all over the world, expanding their horizons and learning about new cultures.

2. They Boost the UK Economy

Let’s face it – international students make a huge contribution to the UK’s economy. They spend money on tuition, accommodation (that’s where we come in), food, and travel, and this supports local businesses. It’s estimated that international students contribute billions to the UK economy each year. In cities like Bristol, where the student population is large, their spending is a big deal for the local economy, a large contributor as to why Bristol businesses thrive!

3. They Make University Campuses More Interesting

International students bring unique talents, interests, and experiences to their campuses. Whether it’s in class discussions, extracurricular activities, or student societies, they add something special to university life. Universities thrive when students from different backgrounds come together and collaborate. It’s these diverse ideas and talents that push universities to be more creative, inclusive, and forward-thinking.

4. They Help the UK Stay Globally Competitive

The UK has some of the best universities in the world, and international students play a big role in keeping them at the top. Attracting students from all over the world helps UK universities maintain their global reputation and continue to be competitive in the international education market. Plus, international students help UK universities build strong connections with countries around the globe, which can lead to exciting research opportunities and partnerships.

5. They Encourage Innovation and Research

International students bring fresh perspectives to research, which can lead to new ideas and innovations. Many international students come to the UK with a passion for specialised fields, and their viewpoints help spark new discoveries. This collaboration often leads to breakthroughs in areas like technology, science, and the arts.

6. They Create Job Opportunities

International students contribute to the UK job market in many ways. While studying, they often take on part-time jobs, which supports the local economy. After graduation, many international students choose to stay in the UK and work, filling important roles in industries like healthcare, tech, and engineering. This helps address skill shortages and adds value to the UK’s workforce.

7. They Build Global Connections

International students help build stronger relationships between the UK and other countries. After they graduate, they often return home and become ambassadors for UK universities, which strengthens diplomatic and trade ties. This global network is so important, helping the UK stay connected to the rest of the world.

The Future Looks Bright

The number of international students coming to the UK continues to rise, and this trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. At Urban Student, we’re excited to see how these numbers grow and how international students will continue to shape the future of education in the UK.

We’re proud to provide luxury, high-quality accommodation for all students in Bristol, where they can feel at home during their studies.

If you’re a student looking for a stylish, safe, and comfortable place to stay in Bristol, check out our luxury accommodations at Urban Student. We offer everything you need for a great experience while studying in the UK.

Published: 24.03.15 by Phoebe Clutton