THE majority of people in Britain see international students as having a positive impact on the economy and would be happy if numbers coming to the UK increased or stayed the same, research found.
More than half of Britons believe students from overseas help create jobs, while just a quarter of people regard international students as immigrants.
The research, carried out for Universities UK, shows that international students are viewed as “valuable, temporary visitors” rather than long-term migrants, the education organisation said.
The 437,000 international students in the UK in 2014/15 generated more than £26 billion for the economy, with the money they spent supporting more than 206,000 jobs in towns and cities, according to Universities UK.
It said: “While there remain concerns about immigration levels in many parts of the country, the public recognise the substantial gains to towns, cities and regions from having international students in their area.”
After being told of the impact international students have on the economy, 73% of Britons said they would like to see the same number or more international students coming to the UK.
Almost two-thirds, 64%, see them as having a positive impact on the local economies where they study, with just 18% believing their impact on the national economy is negative, and 58% think their economic contribution leads to a growth in jobs.
Some 61% of people think international students have a valuable cultural and social impact on the areas where they live, while three quarters would welcome them working in the UK after graduating rather than returning immediately to their home country.
In Scotland, where 62% of people voted to remain in the EU in last year’s Brexit referendum, 71% said they thought international students have a positive impact on the economies of the areas where they study, and 67% said this helped create jobs.
But in the West Midlands, where 59% of people voted to leave the EU, almost two-thirds – 62% – believe international students are beneficial to their local economies, 53% say they create jobs and 76% think they should be able to stay on to work in the UK for a fixed period after graduating.
UK Universities said the research underlined the “critical role” universities play in helping regions benefit from international connections.
Its president, Dame Julia Goodfellow, said: “In the context of concerns about the impact of globalisation, this poll shows that universities are able to ensure that their international links provide a direct benefit to the region.
“It is clear that the positive economic impact of international students extends to all corners of the UK, and not only to London or one or two large cities.
“The poll shows also the public recognises the valuable social and cultural impact international students have in regions across the country.”
But in light of a decline in international student enrolments in recent years, she urged the government to evolve its immigration policies.
She said: “While the UK government continues to count international students as long-term migrants in its target to reduce migration, there is a continued pressure to reduce their numbers, adding to the perception that they are now welcome here.
“If the UK wants to remain a top destination for international students, we need a new immigration policy that encourages them to choose the UK.”
The poll, carried out by ComRes last month, interviewed 4,043 British adults.
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