This study European Economic Review Researchers from University College London, the University of Surrey and the University of Essex analyzed whether international students attending undergraduate programs influence the educational outcomes and early labor market outcomes of UK-based students.
“Our research helps answer questions about how international students impact the UK economy by looking at specific aspects that have not previously been studied at a national level,” said study co-author IOE Faculty at University College London. said Greta Morando. Education and society.
The researchers analyzed data from undergraduate students enrolled at UK universities between August 2007 and November 2010 to examine changes in exposure to international students in university programs across different groups.
“We found no evidence that international students were detrimental to the graduation prospects and degree classifications of native students, nor did they have a significant impact on native students’ labor market participation and job quality six months after graduation,” Morando said.
Researchers linked HESA student record data with data from Destination of Leavers from Higher Education to track graduates' outcomes six months after graduation.
The researchers highlighted some evidence that non-EU students have a positive impact on the salaries of domestic students, especially high-performing graduates.
The study, which involved a sample of around 509,900 students, also analyzed whether students switched between universities or subject types during their studies and found that the “somewhat relevant” results for international students, especially those living in the EU, had some impact on retention in their studies domestically. I found that it works. We see students participating in non-STEM programs converting to STEM degrees.
According to UCL, further analysis shows that students who make this change perform better in terms of probability of graduation and degree classification.
One of the stakeholders who welcomed the overall findings of the study is Sarah Cooper, a career consultant at the University of Bristol.
“We know that international graduates are filling critical skills gaps, increasing exports through language skills and home market knowledge, and helping employers diversify their workforces,” Cooper told The PIE.
“This kind of research is vital to demonstrating that global campuses of UK higher education institutions are a ‘win win’ for students, industry and the UK as a whole.
“The government needs to invest in this kind of ongoing research.”
“The government must invest in this kind of ongoing research to ensure that decisions about work visa pathways are based on evidence and a holistic understanding of the international higher education sector.”
Cooper is not alone in his concerns about the future of UK graduate pathways after the UK government announced it would review two-year visa options for international graduates.
The report's researchers also call for their findings to be considered in the context of the benefits international students bring to the UK.
“Overseas students also contribute to cross-subsidizing UK students’ participation in higher education through their tuition fees,” UCL said in a statement.
“By contributing to the diversity of our student body, international students contribute to the economy, help fund college and enrich the experience of every college student,” Morando said.