International Students Are Not Cash Cows: The Case for Fairer Support

Eleanor McCarthy - Policy & Research Coordinator at Imperial College Union

At a time of increased scrutiny for international students and frequent debates on their admission, fees, destinations after graduation and contribution to the UK, the Russell Group Students’ Unions (RGSU) conducted research into their experience. The results paint a concerning picture for the future of international students in the UK, and we are calling for action to be taken to better support our international students.

A key issue that is evident within the results is international students’ finances. When we imagine an international student, we may picture someone very wealthy with endless familial support and no need to work alongside their studies, however, this is far from the case, for most. Our research across RG institutions shows that the median monthly living cost for international students (excluding tuition fees) is £1,402, rising to £1,635 for students in London. 1 in 5 students worry about money all the time - with many borrowing money, using credit cards, or taking out high-interest loans to pay tuition fees and cover living expenses.

Alongside living costs, international tuition fees for students have risen sharply in recent years with no sign of stagnation. As some universities struggle to remain afloat, Universities UK (UUK) research found that 49% of their providers have closed courses, international fees are continuing to inflate to help protect universities from rising costs and further closures. This raises the important question of how well supported these students are once they arrive at our universities to thrive and succeed. Our research shows that many international students feel as though they are treated as ‘cash cows’ by the government and by universities - meaning they are acutely aware of the money they bring in but often feel they are lacking a high-value experience in return. 

Increased tuition fees are not the only expense on the rise. Recently, the Home Office announced a 7% increase to student visa fees from £490 to £524. This follows an increase of more than a third in 2023. Similarly, the Immigration Health Surcharge increased to £1,035 per year in 2024, from £624 in 2023. These significantly exacerbate financial barriers faced by international students to studying in the UK. While 3 in 4 students in our research expressed that the UK was their first choice for study, it was emphasised that rising tuition fees, visa costs, and inconsistent government policies will impact the attractiveness of the UK as a place to learn.

International students are integral to the UK higher education system and bring immense value to British academic life. UUK found that in 2021/22, international students contributed £41.9 billion to the UK economy, placing them as a huge net contributor. Although these numbers demonstrate the clear benefits to the economy of recruiting international students, they mustn't be treated as ‘cash cows’ and they are given access to appropriate support, high-quality education, and enriching student life with an understanding that not all international students have limitless income - so international students from all backgrounds can be supported to successfully participate in RG institutions.

Our report calls for change. At a university level, RGSU believes that inflationary increases to international student fees should be fixed at the beginning of study and spread evenly across the duration of study to reduce the burden of tuition fees. Recognising that at present, international student fees can rise every year of their study with no indication when they join of how much this could increase their financial stress and burden. We are also calling for hardship funds to be made available for all international students who need them, with clear and accessible eligibility criteria. Finally, on a governmental level, visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge should be frozen for students.

With these recommendations, we must work towards reducing the financial barriers that international students face. Ensuring the UK remains an attractive place to study, RG universities allow students from around the world to thrive.

[1] https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/what-we-do/creating-voice-our-members/media-releases/universities-grip-financial-crisis-what

[i] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visa-regulations-revised-table/home-office-immigration-and-nationality-fees-9-april-2025#study--applications-made-in-the-uk

[ii] https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-7274/

[iii] https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/latest/news/international-students-boost-uk-economy