International recruitment is a core part of student admissions for many universities and colleges, and there were 280,760 international students (excluding those from the EU) enrolled in the UK in 2009-10, an increase of some 60% in five years. There were a further 125,000 EU students.. International students make up 11% of all higher education students in the UK, and for those undertaking advanced research programmes, the figure is 40%. The OECD averages are 6% and 16%, respectively. Students from China make up almost one-quarter of all international students in the UK.
More information on international student recruitment data.
Although governors will wish to receive regular information on international student recruitment and the extent to which target figures are being met, because of the financial implications of not meeting targets, it is also important that they receive regular information on a range of issues associated with the satisfaction and performance of international students. There are numerous factors associated with the support of international students that governing bodies need to look out for, including: the provision of effective language and study skills support; the cultural integration of international students both on campus and within local communities; and so on. Advice should be available from the international office, and there are also national sources such as the UK Council for International Student Affairs.
Further information can be found in Chapter 4 of Getting to Grips with Internationalisation.
Who Goes Where and Why is an analysis of international student mobility, published by the IIE and AIFS