EACH annual cohort of international students at the University of Dundee significantly boosts the local economies of Tayside and Fife, as revealed by recent figures from HEPI and Kaplan International Pathways.
The parliamentary constituencies of Dundee Central, Arbroath and Broughty Ferry, and Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy have experienced notable financial benefits from these students.
Commissioned from London Economics, the data is the first to highlight the value of international students to the UK according to the latest parliamentary constituency boundaries, which will be contested on July 4.
The net impact of first-year international students in Dundee Central alone was calculated at £239m. In Arbroath and Broughty Ferry, the figure was £49m, while in Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy, it stood at £41m.
The total gross benefits across the UK from one year’s intake of international students amount to £41.9bn, with net benefits, after considering public services, reaching £37.4bn.
These figures coincide with the University’s Summer Graduation ceremonies, where thousands of new graduates are celebrating their achievements this week.
Professor Iain Gillespie, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dundee, said: “We have a proud tradition of welcoming and educating international students, who come from over 140 countries around the globe.
“These students bring so much to our communities in terms of culture and diversity, but this report also illustrates the significant economic contribution they make in our communities in Dundee, Kirkcaldy and across Scotland.
“All of our students help to support businesses both small and large, local and national. Many will choose to stay here after completing their qualification, using their new skills to bring further benefits to our society and economy.
“The benefits of welcoming international students to Dundee, Scotland and the UK are unquestionable and something which should be widely recognised and celebrated.”
Linda Cowan, Managing Director at Kaplan International Pathways, added: “Using updated and more granular census data than previously available and applying it to the new Westminster parliamentary constituencies, this important analysis provides the most accurate picture yet of the net economic impact of international students.
“Regional inequality is one of the key policy areas for this election and this research reinforces the significant economic benefits that international students bring to communities right across the UK, as well as the many other benefits international students bring to our university communities.
“With growing competition for international students from countries with world leading institutions, it has never been more important to send a consistent and unambiguous message of welcome to international students.”
