The British higher education system is considered to be one of the best in the world, and British colleges and universities are renowned for their high academic standards and depth of academic knowledge. Because of this, thousands of foreign students travel to the United Kingdom (UK) every year in search of academic excellence and the opportunity to gain prestigious qualifications.

Current figures estimate that over 275 000 foreign students are studying in the UK, and this is a clear indication of how highly regarded British qualifications are internationally. Upon graduation, foreign students can look forward to returning home and making a direct contribution to their local economies, or they can join the rapidly growing international workforce being employed by companies and organisations in the UK.

As one foreign student put it, ‘I came to the UK not only to study towards a British qualification, but to also improve my English and learn about the British way of life, its culture and its people. When I return home, these experiences will help me to get a good job and I will be better off than if I had chosen to study in my own country.’

The British government has recognised the contribution that foreign students make to both the local and global economies, and has committed itself to attracting more foreign students to study the United Kingdom. A spokesperson for the Department for Education and Skills said: “We have every intention of remaining one of the most popular destinations for overseas students. That is why we launched the Prime Minister’s initiative in 1999 to recruit an additional 50 000 international students.”

 

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