Research shows overseas learners inject in excess of £1 billion into Coventry’s local economy throughout their studies.
A study conducted by the Higher Education Policy Institute alongside Kaplan International Pathways, with analysis provided by London Economics, calculated that the cumulative economic contribution of foreign students living in all three of the city’s parliamentary areas – Coventry South, Coventry East and Coventry North West – reaches £1.156 billion.
The calculations factor in those commencing their first year of study in the city and the money they bring during their complete academic programmes.
Although the substantial economic benefits delivered by international students in 2024/25 proved significant, analysts caution this amount has since decreased. The city confronts an uncertain future as official migration measures are anticipated to lead to reduced numbers of overseas students entering Britain.
Coventry South generated the second largest economic contribution anywhere in the nation, and the greatest outside the capital, with international students producing gross benefits of £1.118 billion. After accounting for public service expenditure of £97.2 million, the net benefit totals £1.021 billion.
In Coventry East, a gross benefit of £81.7 million, against public services costs of £7.2 million, resulted in a net contribution of £74.5 million. Coventry North West achieved a net impact of £61 million, comprising advantages of £67.3 million minus costs of £6.3 million.
Public service expenditure encompasses housing and local amenities, law and order, environmental initiatives and schooling for any children who accompany students – while international students additionally pay an annual health service contribution of £776.
The data also reveals per-head benefits across the city. The contribution equals £7,735 per individual in Coventry South, £595 per person in Coventry East and £545 for each inhabitant in Coventry North West.
Significant employment throughout the city is also sustained by the presence of overseas students, with 7,745 positions maintained in Coventry South, 565 in Coventry East and 465 in Coventry North West.
Coventry University hosts international students representing 160 countries, while the nearby University of Warwick similarly enrols learners from overseas. Coventry University was honoured with The Queen’s Award for Enterprise – Britain’s most distinguished commercial honour – for its achievements in building partnerships with foreign institutions and businesses and attracting students globally to its campuses across the United Kingdom.
The honour was among the final recognitions approved by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II prior to her passing.
The overall contribution of international students to the entire United Kingdom reached £40.4 billion across their study periods.
Professor John Latham CBE, Vice-Chancellor of Coventry University, stated that the remarkable influence of international students on cities such as Coventry extends beyond mere financial terms, though these figures clearly demonstrate it. Their expenditure throughout their academic careers sustains employment in the city and throughout Britain, and the expenses borne by the British economy in welcoming them are negligible by comparison. Fees paid by overseas students additionally help finance the education of British students on costly programmes in subjects such as engineering and healthcare. The advantages substantially outweigh any perceived disadvantages. With reduced numbers of international students arriving in Britain, Coventry University is exporting its TEF Gold standard instruction abroad and is preparing to establish a second campus in Kazakhstan, while continuing to educate students in countries including Egypt, Morocco, Poland and China. Nevertheless, Coventry and the wider nation are increasingly losing out on both the economic advantages and the cultural diversity and varied expertise that enrich and enhance our campuses and communities.
Maike Halterbeck, Partner at London Economics, noted that this fresh research provides current evidence regarding the considerable economic value that international students bring to the British economy – value that extends broadly across the country. It also illustrates what the economy risks losing should this significant export sector begin to contract. The number of international first-year students arriving in Britain has already fallen by approximately 54,500 (12%) since 2022/23 and is anticipated to carry on declining as significant new policy changes – including a potential fresh international student fee levy – take effect.