Top universities are prioritising high-paying international students over British applicants for hundreds of degree courses. Pupils collecting their A-level results today face fewer options through the Clearing process compared to international applicants.
Among the 24 Russell Group institutions, 17 are offering Clearing places, with 11 providing more options to overseas students than to local ones. International students pay significantly higher fees, up to £38,000 annually, compared to £9,250 for domestic students.
Today, over 250,000 students will learn if they achieved their predicted grades and secured their preferred courses. Tens of thousands are expected to enter Clearing to find alternative courses. Admissions chiefs assure that diverse courses, including medicine, will be available. However, choices are more abundant for international students.
Edinburgh University exemplifies the disparity, offering 253 courses to overseas students but only one to domestic students. Durham University provides 98 courses to international students and just 42 to British students. Exeter University offers 437 courses to international students and 214 to local ones.
As of yesterday morning, Russell Group universities had 4,504 courses available to international students, compared to 3,883 for domestic students, a difference of 621 courses (16%).
Professor Alan Smithers of Buckingham University commented that universities have struggled to attract the desired number of international students, impacting their finances. He urged the government to find more stable funding methods for universities.
New rules introduced in January, banning international students from bringing family members, have reportedly affected numbers. Vivienne Stern, chief executive of Universities UK, noted that universities’ financial situations have rapidly worsened over the past year.
Clearing, managed by Ucas, allows students who missed their predicted grades or exceeded expectations to find new courses. A Russell Group spokesman stated that over 80% of students joining their universities through Clearing last year were UK students, and all applicants are considered based on their academic merits and course suitability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why are UK universities offering more courses to international students?
International students pay higher fees, helping balance their finances.
How many courses are available for international students compared to domestic students in the Russell Group?
Russell Group have 4,504 courses for international students and 3,883 for domestic students.
Are there any top universities offering significantly more courses to international students?
Yes, for example, Edinburgh University offers 253 courses for international students but only one for domestic students.
How much more do international students pay compared to UK students?
International students pay up to £38,000 a year, while UK students pay £9,250.
What impact have new rules on international students had on university finances?
New rules banning international students from bringing family members have impacted student numbers and finances.