Students drawn to UK by its high-quality universities: New Report

A new report sheds light on the achievements and experiences of more than 10,000 international students who have graduated from 37 UK universities in the last six years.

International Graduate Outcomes 2024 – Key learnings for the UK released today. The report was published by Universities UK International (UUKi) in collaboration with QS Quacquarelli Symonds (QS). It highlights the achievements and experiences of more than 10,000 international students who graduated in the last six years from 37 UK universities.

“The UK’s position as a leading destination for international students is something which we are rightly proud of. Every year, hundreds of thousands of students from around the globe chose to study here because of the strength and reputation of our universities. Yet that is why it is essential we continually reflect and improve our offer to international students, with the findings from the UUKi-QS International Graduates Outcomes Report providing essential insight into the international student experience. As uncertainty looms over the UK government’s commitment to the Graduate route, this report could not be timelier or more important,” said Jamie Arrowsmith, Director of Universities UK International, as reported by UUKi.

“Home to three of the world's top ten institutions and 17 in the top 100, as recognised by the 2024 QS World University Rankings, while London tops the QS Best Student Cities, the UK higher education sector is a tremendous asset to the country. International students are not only integral to its success and financial resilience but also play a crucial role in amplifying UK’s soft power,” said Jessica Turner, CEO of QS.

“The UUKi-QS International Graduates Outcomes Report provides universities with actionable recommendations to enhance the international student experience and career prospects while offering policymakers valuable data and insights to inform potential policy changes. Ensuring that the UK remains a premier and highly attractive study destination is essential in the current fiercely competitive global education market, particularly as higher education represents one of the UK's most valuable export sectors at a time when the UK needs globally competitive industries to sustain local economies,” added Jessica Turner.

Key Findings of International Graduate Outcomes 2024

The following are the main findings:

• International graduates will continue to support the UK economy on returning home.
• Universities need to improve career support for international students with targeted schemes to meet their unique needs.
• Through post-study work, international graduates add value to sectors that are vital to the UK economy. 
• The Graduate route visa provides a favourable learning and developmental environment for graduates and positive relationships with employers. 
• Students are drawn to the UK by its high-quality universities and a great learning experience.

Read more:

• Queen’s University Belfast Ranks Among Top 25 Universities in UK
• Indian Students in UK Urge PM Rishi Sunak To Protect Graduate Route Visa Policy