International Students: Economic Powerhouses for Local UK Communities
Dundee Central: A £239 Million Boost
A Celebration of Diversity and Economic Prosperity
International Students: Economic Powerhouses for Local UK Communities
In a shocking revelation, recent figures from the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) and Kaplan International Pathways have unveiled the staggering economic impact of international students on local UK economies. Specifically, each annual cohort of international students at the University of Dundee injects a whopping £329 million into the local economies of Tayside and Fife. The parliamentary constituencies of Dundee Central, Arbroath and Broughty Ferry, and Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy have experienced significant financial windfalls from these international students. The data, commissioned from London Economics, is the first to highlight the value of international students to the UK according to the latest parliamentary constituency boundaries, which will be contested on July 4.
Dundee Central: A £239 Million Boost
The net impact of first-year international students in Dundee Central alone was a staggering £239 million. In Arbroath and Broughty Ferry, the figure stood at £49 million, while in Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy, it reached £41 million. Across the UK, the total gross benefits from one year’s intake of international students amount to a mind-boggling £41.9 billion, with net benefits, after considering public services, reaching £37.4 billion.
A Celebration of Diversity and Economic Prosperity
These figures coincide with the University of Dundee’s Summer Graduation ceremonies, where thousands of new graduates are celebrating their achievements this week. Professor Iain Gillespie, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dundee, emphasized the importance of international students, saying, “We have a proud tradition of welcoming and educating international students, who come from over 140 countries around the globe. “These students bring so much to our communities in terms of culture and diversity, but this report also illustrates the significant economic contribution they make in our communities in Dundee, Kirkcaldy and across Scotland,” Gillespie added.
A Consistent Message of Welcome
Linda Cowan, Managing Director at Kaplan International Pathways, highlighted the importance of these findings, stating, “Using updated and more granular census data than previously available and applying it to the new Westminster parliamentary constituencies, this important analysis provides the most accurate picture yet of the net economic impact of international students. “Cowan emphasized the need to send a consistent and unambiguous message of welcome to international students, given the growing competition for international students from countries with world-leading institutions.
With this ground breaking report, the immense economic and cultural contributions of international students to local UK communities have been brought to the forefront, sparking discussions and calls for continued support and celebration of this vital sector.
