Applications to study in the UK from international students are up 2 per cent, according to The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). The statistics were published following the 30th June deadline for applying to study in UK higher education.
The figures show that there were 49,250 applications from the EU, a reduction of 5 per cent. However, there was a 2 per cent increase to 70,830 applications from other overseas countries. It also follows on from the statistics issued at the start of 2017, which showed that that the number of full-time undergraduate applications was up by 0.2 per cent on the previous year.
Clearly this is welcome news for all those concerned about how Brexit would affect all applications from overseas. Not least, for international students who have been wondering whether a UK college would still be their first choice. Over the last 15 years, the number of students who chose to study in Britain had more than doubled with an annual growth rate of 3 – 4 per cent.
International students not put off from applying
In March 2016, just three months prior to the UK referendum vote on leaving the EU, another potential barrier that was feared could put off international student applications, was announced. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) published its proposal to change the eligibility for living cost support provided to non-UK EU students.
If they wished to apply for a maintenance loan to meet living costs from Student Finance England, students from the EU were now required to live in the UK for five years ordinary residence, an increase of two years. Eligibility to receive living costs will also depend on where the student is or has been living, not necessarily where the education provider is located. In addition, a student will not become eligible for full support part way through their course if it was begun prior to meeting the five-year residence requirement.
Even earlier still, in March 2009, the introduction of the Tier 4 visa system for international students, which increased maintenance funding levels and the cost of a visa extension, has also not seemed to deter subsequent applications. A greater force is clearly at play!
Opportunity to live and learn about the everyday life
One of the key reasons that students wish to study in a different country is the opportunity to live and learn about the everyday life of the host country at first hand. It is also why many young international students will choose homestay accommodation and live with a host family, especially those on English learning courses.
Naturally enough, the chance to improve their English speaking tends to always feature in any survey of why students are keen to study in England. English remains one of the five most widely spoken foreign languages alongside French, German Spanish and Russian according to a recent “Eurobarometer Survey on Europeans and their Languages”.
A recent report from the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) highlights that the UK remains the second most popular destination for international students in the world, after the USA, but ahead of Australia, New Zealand and Canada. A separate “barometer” survey also found that students from abroad studying in the UK were, in fact, more satisfied with their living and learning experience than in any other country.
Speaking in English always encouraged
A hosted homestay experience can enable students to become more actively involved in the life of a host family – not just sharing meals – but also attending family events, such as a birthday celebration or weekend trips. The role of the homestay host has always been much more than just as a room provider and more like a cultural ambassador. Time and time again, both hosts and their students speak about the often lifelong relationships formed.
One of the most important factors in the initial process to apply to a host scheme provider is in matching the preferences of both the host and the student. However, speaking in English is to always to be encouraged, no matter how similar the backgrounds.
There can be no doubt that the high numbers of applications to study in England will continue in the years ahead as young international students will always need the option of a homestay for the security and home comforts of a family atmosphere. The arrangements are straightforward, and a high standard of room is more likely to be available at any time in the year than anywhere else, when a particular course is set to begin.