Wales Emerges as Rising UK Hub for International Students

By Aahana June 19, 2025
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Wales is fast becoming a leading destination for global learners, with new data revealing the country has recorded the strongest growth in international student numbers across the United Kingdom.

An independent evaluation of the Study in Wales brand, part of the Global Wales initiative, shows that international awareness of Wales as a study destination has more than doubled in just three years, rising from 21% in 2022 to 44% in 2025.

Notably, the growth has been strongest in priority markets such as India and the United States. Interest from Indian students jumped from 18% in 2022 to 32% in 2025, while student interest from the US saw a similar rise, from 14% to 32%.

According to the report, 76% of international students said they were more likely to consider studying in Wales after viewing a Study in Wales campaign, which highlighted the country’s vibrant culture, natural beauty, and high standards in education.

Tom Woodward, assistant director of International at Universities Wales, credited the success to collaborative marketing and a united higher education sector.
“Study in Wales has been instrumental in putting Welsh universities on the global map. The fact that recognition of Wales has doubled across key markets is testament to the programme’s impact,” he said.

The latest HESA data also confirms that Wales led all UK nations in international student growth between the 2020/21 and 2023/24 academic years.

Even smaller institutions like Wrexham University have reported an upswing in global interest, particularly from the US, spurred in part by media exposure from the celebrity-backed revival of Wrexham A.F.C. by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

As the UK education landscape evolves, Wales is positioning itself as a serious contender, offering international students a distinctive blend of academic quality, affordability, and cultural warmth.

Source: THE PIE NEWES

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