International students bring an economic boost to the city

INTERNATIONAL students are bringing a significant financial boost to Coventry, contributing £651 million, according to recently published figures.

For the first time, constituency level data is available showing the combined net economic impact of Coventry South, Coventry East and Coventry North West.

Coventry South in particular saw substantial benefits, with a gross benefit of £480m.

After taking into account the £44 million cost to public services, the net impact comes to an impressive £436 million, ranking sixth in the UK for gross benefit from international students.

In Coventry East, the gross benefit was £129m, with public service costs of £12m, resulting in a net impact of £117m.

Coventry North West had a net impact of £98m, derived from benefits of £108m less costs of £10m.

The Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) and Kaplan International Pathways, commissioned by London Economics, provided the figures, outlining the capital impact: £3,360 in Coventry South, £990 in Coventry East and £920 in Coventry North West.

Coventry University, with its diverse student body from 160 nations, and the University of Warwick, a neighboring institution, are central to this economic contribution.

Coventry University’s recognition with The Queen’s Award for Enterprise underlines its role in promoting global relations and attracting international students, an award endorsed by the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Professor John Latham CBE, Vice-Chancellor of Coventry University, said: “These figures highlight the invaluable impact international students have on Coventry.

“We need to ensure our city remains welcoming to these students, particularly in light of recent government actions that have led to a significant drop in international student recruitment.”

The UK’s top 20 constituencies, comprising England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, collectively benefited from £8.3 billion from international students.

James Cannings, senior economic consultant at London Economics, added: “Accurate data on where international students live has enabled us to provide more accurate estimates of their economic impact.

“We hope these findings will inform government policy and support the higher education sector and the wider UK economy.”