A survey of prospective international students has revealed that almost half would be less interested in studying in the UK if it were to leave the European Union.
Just over 47% of 1,763 respondents said if the UK votes to leave the EU in June, it would make studying at UK universities less attractive. Seventeen per cent thought it would make the UK more attractive if it were to leave the EU and 35% said the country’s EU membership would not make a difference.
Students from the EU were more likely to view Brexit negatively according to the survey, carried out by Hobsons Solutions as part of its annual International Student Survey. Of the students who would find the UK least attractive in the event of Brexit, 82% of the respondents were from the EU while 35% were non-EU students.
The country could be at risk of losing 113,116 international students
Applying the poll results to Higher Education Statistics Agency figures showing 240,676 international students studied in the UK in 2014/15, the country could be at risk of losing 113,116 international students if it leaves the EU.
Looking at the country’s top student source countries, the poll results suggest that 20,178 Chinese students, 4,811 Indian students and 4,592 US students could be averse to coming studying in the UK.
“These figures merely present the extrapolation of attitudinal survey data to indicative, potential changes in total international student numbers,” the report says. “Nevertheless, the results of this survey demonstrate precisely what scale the impact of the EU referendum could be felt on.”
Speaking with The PIE News, Jamie Laird, head of marketing intelligence at Hobsons EMEA said even if Britain votes to stay in the EU, campaign rhetoric could affect the country’s reputation as a study destination.
“It’s not something we surveyed but it’s another thing that’s adding to this sense that international students have that the UK is just not very welcoming,” he said pointing to post-study work limitations and negative government rhetoric.
“Even if we do vote to stay within the EU it’s done damage just that we’re having this referendum and that it’s being discussed”
“Even if we do vote to stay within the EU it’s done damage just that we’re having this referendum and that it’s being discussed.”
Overall the country’s higher education community supports the UK’s membership of the EU. Last summer, Universities UK launched its Universities for Europe campaign and the stance has gained backing from individual university leaders in the lead up to the referendum on June 23.
International education representatives from the US, Switzerland, Ireland and Egypt have also voiced their support for the remain campaign stressing that it could affect the free movement of scholars and students around Europe and the country’s relations with key partners including the US.
