Globally Competitive
A report on the international student experience
We’ve heard from almost 5000 international students across the Russell Group.
Our research explored the positive contribution that international students make to UK universities and beyond, as well as the barriers they face through the immigration system.
Russell Group Students’ Unions’ Report provides a comprehensive overview of what international students experience before, during, and after their time studying in the UK.
Bringing together the voices of nearly 5,000 students across Russell Group institutions, the report offers an in-depth analysis of the international student experience and makes a series of recommendations for consideration by government and universities.
Globally Competitive
A report on the international student experience
Every year, nearly 90,000 international students choose to begin their studies at Russell Group universities, becoming contributing members of our communities on and off campus. These students provide us with a wide range of perspectives and experiences that contribute significantly to the cultural and academic foundation of our campuses.
Russell Group Students’ Unions and the UK Council for International Student Affairs have partnered to produce this original report into the experience of students studying on our campuses.
The report was launched in May 2025 at an event in Parliament sponsored by the All Party Parliamentary Group on International Students.
Lord Bilimoria & Abtisam Mohamed MP both wrote a foreword for the report and spoke at the launch, highlighting the enormous cultural and social value of international students to UK higher education.
For enquires please get in touch at enquiries@rgsu.co.uk
This research was undertaken by Students' Union UCL on behalf of the Russell Group Students' Unions and in partnership with the UK Council for International Student Affairs.
