Recently published figures reveal that universities in the UK are investing more in financial support for international students than for their British counterparts.
This trend is part of a broader strategy to attract lucrative overseas students, with institutions offering generous cash incentives and tuition fee discounts.
The Breakdown of Financial Support
UK universities are allocating millions of pounds towards scholarships, means-tested bursaries, and fee reductions aimed at easing the financial burden on both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
While some of this funding is sourced externally, the majority comes directly from the universities’ budgets. However, data obtained through Freedom of Information requests from 26 universities shows a surprising discrepancy: these institutions are spending more on financial aid for international students than for UK students.
Spending Discrepancies
Last year, the 26 universities that responded to the information request collectively spent £151.3 million on support for foreign students. This included £136.8 million for postgraduates and £14.5 million for undergraduates.
In contrast, the amount spent on UK students was slightly lower, totaling £149.1 million—£56.1 million for postgraduates and £93 million for undergraduates.
For example, at Sussex University, international postgraduates received £3.2 million in support, compared to just £779,000 for UK postgraduates.
Similarly, Glasgow Caledonian University awarded £6.6 million to 4,458 foreign postgraduates, while only £320,497 was distributed among 223 UK postgraduates.
Impact on University Finances
The significant financial incentives offered to international students mean that universities are forfeiting a portion of the high fees these students pay.
Depending on the course, these fees can range from £11,000 to £30,000 and can soar as high as £67,000 for medical degrees. Despite this, universities see these giveaways as a worthwhile investment, especially as the number of foreign students has doubled in the past four years.
However, there is growing concern that new visa restrictions on dependants may cause a decline in overseas student enrollments, which could impact university finances.
Criticism and Justifications
Chris McGovern, chair of the Campaign for Real Education, has criticized the practice, arguing that any surplus funds should be directed towards supporting UK students.
He advocates for improving educational quality as a more honest way to attract international students, rather than relying on financial incentives.
On the other hand, universities defend their actions. A spokesman for Sussex University explained that financial support for international students is higher because their fees are significantly greater, and a larger proportion of their postgraduate students are from overseas.
Glasgow Caledonian University echoed this sentiment, stating that the support given to UK and foreign postgraduates is “not comparable” due to the considerable difference in fees.
The Role of International Students in the UK Economy
Universities UK, an organization representing the country’s higher education institutions, emphasized that international students contribute significantly to the broader UK economy and the success of universities.
They also noted that the extra fees paid by these students help subsidize the education of UK students through bursaries, scholarships, and increasingly, hardship funds.
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