The UK’s capital has become the second-largest international student market in 2019-20, showing an 8.4% surge in the last academic year.
The UK capital is one of the most attractive overseas destinations for Indian students pursuing courses at British universities. London universities became the second-largest international student market in 2019-20, followed by the US in the third position with 7,245, while China is in the first place in the ranking with 29,940 students.
According to a report released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), designated higher education data body for England, 13,435 Indian students are enrolled at London universities, showing a massive 87% surge on the previous year's 7,185 students.
The latest data has been categorized as "an impressive period of growth" for India, after falling to fourth place in 2017-18.
Lalage Clay, Director of Education and Talent at London & Partners (L&P), said in a statement, "These new figures are a resounding confirmation of the status of London's world-leading universities. The astonishing growth of Indian students choosing London demonstrates the great opportunity that studying in the UK's capital unlocks, alongside the option to remain in the UK for two-year post-study."
Further, she added, "Whether it's fashion or financial economics, accountancy or art history, prospective international students know when they choose London, they are choosing a first-class education and a cultural experience like no other."
The reintroduction of a two-year post-study visa for international students by the UK government has encouraged applications by Indian students on a large scale. It will let overseas graduates have a longer period of time to look for employment after their studies.
According to the latest data, a total of 55,465 Indian students have enrolled in higher education institutions across the UK, with England being the dominant region with the majority of these students, followed by Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
HESA statistics show that the total number of overseas students at London's universities has risen to 135,490, up 8.4% on last academic year to the highest level on record. The UK capital seems to appeal to prospective international students by and large.
