UK Labour Shortages Shaping International Student Choices, Study Reveals
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United Kingdom labour shortages in key sectors such as healthcare and IT are significantly influencing international student course preferences, according to a new study by ApplyBoard.
The research highlights a notable shift, with over 20% of new international applicants in 2023/24 opting for courses in computing, IT, health, and medicine. The trend reflects a growing alignment between students’ academic pursuits and sectors facing persistent staffing gaps across the UK.
ApplyBoard’s UK director, Justin Wood, noted that the surge in demand is widespread across multiple source countries. “Fields like computing surged both in traditional STEM-driven countries like India and Nepal and in emerging markets such as Algeria and Uzbekistan,” he said.
Healthcare-related courses were also a top choice, with 38% of Filipino students selecting the field, followed closely by applicants from Zimbabwe, Jordan and Belgium. This aligns with the UK’s well-documented NHS shortages, which appear to be shaping student decision-making.
A 19% increase in international applications to nursing courses for 2025 further underscores the trend, as students look for courses offering strong post-graduation employment prospects.
The findings come amid increasing concerns over the cost of studying abroad, with more students prioritising return on investment and job potential.
While the UK government plans to shorten the graduate visa route to 18 months, Wood cautioned that “maintaining strong pathways into high-demand sectors like healthcare” will be key to protecting both student outcomes and national workforce objectives.
The study also noted a decline in engineering and technology enrolments in countries such as India and Pakistan, suggesting students are shifting towards disciplines with clearer employment outcomes.
In contrast, American student applications hit a record high, driven by dissatisfaction with domestic education costs and policy uncertainty. The US market showed strong interest in the arts and humanities, unlike students from China or India, who continue to favour business, law and STEM fields.
As UK institutions navigate ongoing sector reforms, the findings underscore the growing importance of aligning academic offerings with national labour needs to attract globally mobile talent.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
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