International students provide a £770 million economic benefit to the city of Sheffield, according to new figures released today (Thursday 20 June)

Press contact: Jo Beattie | j.beattie@shu.ac.uk

The new parliamentary constituency level data shows the Sheffield Central constituency is the top area for impact at £5,800 per resident population and is second overall in the UK – benefiting by £521m from one year’s intake.  

Across the Yorkshire and Humber region, international students benefit the economy by more than £2.9 billion.  

The new data, produced by London Economics and published by the Higher Education Policy Institute and Kaplan International Pathway, shows the value of international students to the UK according to the new parliamentary constituency boundaries. 

They data shows the total gross benefits across the whole UK of one year’s intake of international students amounts to £41.9 billion. The total net benefits after taking account of the impact on public services are £37.4 billion.  

The leaders of both the city’s universities have called on the government, and any new incoming government to recognise the huge economic, social and cultural value of international students and remove them from the net migration figures.  

In a joint statement Professor Liz Mossop, Sheffield Hallam University Vice-Chancellor, and Professor Koen Lamberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield, said:  “These new figures unequivocally evidence the huge economic value international students bring to the city they choose to study in.  

“Aside from their significant contribution to the economy, the diversity in culture and perspectives international students bring also offer a rich learning experience for all students, raising awareness of the importance of global citizenship. 

“We must demonstrate to potential students that the UK is a welcoming place to study. We would urge the next government to consider removing international students from the net migration figures and ensure that the UK visa system reflects the value of attracting students from around the globe to study here.”