Sabbatical Officers launch International Student Research in Parliament

On Wednesday (14 May) Goksu Danaci, Students' Union President, and Shaban Chaudhary, Education Officer joined other Russell Group Students’ Unions Sabbatical Officers at parliament to launch the  RGSU International Students Research . They spoke to MPs and Lords about the positive contribution that international students make to UK universities and beyond, as well as the barriers they face through the immigration system.

This report builds on the Russell Group Student Manifesto launched in May 2024 in the House of Lords. Here, they presented their vision for the future of UK Higher Education. Central to this vision was the belief that we must ensure the UK provides a welcoming and supportive environment for international students, that we must recognise the value they add to student life, and that we need to improve the UK immigration system to better support those who want to study here.   

This new report draws on survey responses from almost 5,000 international students across Russell Group universities which educate around 40% of all international students in the UK, plus insights from a dozen focus groups. This makes it one of the most comprehensive studies to date of international students’ experiences in the UK and positions us to influence higher education policy at a national level.

Here's what the report found

The findings provide a detailed insight into the experiences of international students at UK universities, highlighting both the challenges they face and the valuable contributions they make. Many students report significant difficulties navigating complex visa processes, managing high living and tuition costs, and coping with the toll these pressures take on their mental health. At the same time, the research underscores the positive aspects of international student life, including the formation of strong friendship networks, a sense of belonging within campus communities, and a deep pride in the cultural and academic contributions they offer. These findings paint a nuanced picture that recognises both the systemic barriers international students encounter and the enriching impact they have on university life and the broader UK economy.

Key findings reveal:
• 7 in 10 international students choose the UK for its high-quality education and globally recognised universities.
• 1 in 2 international students report experiencing poor mental health while studying in the UK.
• The median monthly living cost for international students (excluding tuition fees) is £1,402, rising to £1,635 for those in London.
• Restrictions on self-employment prevent international students from gaining valuable professional experience, despite the UK’s need for skilled workers.
• 1 in 3 students report that they have experienced racism in the UK
• For 3 in 4 students, the UK is their first choice for studying abroad

This report comes at the same time as the Government’s launch of a white paper on immigration, which includes proposed changes that could introduce uncertainty and have implications for international students., such as reducing the Graduate Route visa from two years to 18 months, among other measures.

Our mission is to ensure the UK remains a place where international students want to study

We’re calling on both the government and universities to act on eight key recommendations to improve the international student experience, from application through to graduation and beyond. These include easing overly strict work restrictions, freezing visa costs, and strengthening mental health and pastoral support, to ensure the UK remains a welcoming and world-leading study destination for years to come. Our officers will join with others in the Russell Group to meet with MP's and Lords to discuss this research and the recommendations made.

Students' Union President, Goksu Danaci said:

"International students are an integral part of our community and this research shows the urgent need to make changes to visa policies, work rights, and support systems to ensure their contributions are matched with the support they deserve. We stand ready to work in partnership with the Government to implement these and ensure our students are not only able to thrive, but feel genuinely valued."

Education Officer, Shaban Chaudhary said:

"This report is a powerful starting point for real change, and we welcome the spotlight this brings to the experience of international students. The fact that 1 in 2 international students struggle with their mental health while studying in the UK is a clear call to action - especially when you consider that 3 in 4 chose the UK as their first-choice destination. These students come here full of hope and ambition, and we need to make sure the experience lives up to that. Now is the time to turn these insights into meaningful action."

Notes to Editors:
• See the full report here: https://russellgroupstudentsunions.org/international-students-research
• Russell Group Students’ Unions (RGSU) represents the collective voice of students' unions at the 24 Russell Group universities, which together enrol over 700,000 students. RGSU works to advocate for policies that improve the student experience across these research-intensive institutions.
• UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) is the UK’s national advisory body supporting international students and the institutions, students’ unions, and organizations who work
with them. UKCISA provides guidance, research, and advocacy to ensure international students have
the best possible experience in the UK.
• APPG for International Students: The All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Students is a cross-party group of MPs and Peers that promotes the value of international students to UK
education, the economy, and society. The APPG provides a forum for parliamentarians and sector representatives to discuss issues affecting international students and push for positive change.
• Economic Impact: According to a joint study by Universities UK International and HEPI, international students contributed a net £41.9 billion to the UK economy in 2021/ 22 – a benefit nearly 10 times greater than the cost of hosting them. This economic contribution supports jobs and growth in communities nationwide.