International students contributed more than £60m to the Bury economy last year, according to new figures.

Data published by Universities UK International (UUKI), the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) and Kaplan international in collaboration London Economics reveals that overseas students contributed £65.5m to the Bury North and Bury South areas' economy in the 2021/22 academic year.

The organisations say the data shows the growing importance of international students to economies in the North West of England.

In total, the average net impact of international students per political constituency in the North West is estimated at £41m, which is equivalent to approximately £390 per resident.

Demonstrating the spread of international students across the country, the data revealed there were 27,680 first year students enrolled in the 2021/22 cohort in the North West of England.  

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The data also confirm that even when accounting for the impact on public services – estimated at £4m per constituency across the North West of England – the economic benefits of hosting international students significantly outweigh the costs.

Across the UK, the net economic impact of international students has seen a dramatic rise over the past few years – up 58 per cent since 2015/16, (£23.6bn to £37.4bn).

One reason for this is the 68 per cent rise in the number of students (now standing at 350,145) from non-EU countries since 2018/19.

Data from the report indicate that every 11 non-EU students generate £1m worth of net economic impact for the UK economy - or £96,000 per non-EU domiciled student. 

In total, 381,000 first year international students enrolled into UK universities in 2021/22, further highlighting the global appeal of the country’s higher education institutions and cementing our place as one of the leading destinations for both EU and non-EU students.

Demonstrating the spread of international students across England, the report also showed that 98,825 students studied in London, 31,360 studied in Yorkshire and the Humber, 29,750 in the West Midlands, 27,680 in the North West, 24,835 in the East of England, 24,235 in the East Midlands, and 18,715 in the North East.

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In relation to the other UK home nations, there were 44,085 international first-year students studying in Scotland, 14,905 in Wales, and 12,615 in Northern Ireland. 

Jamie Arrowsmith, director of Universities UK International, said: “This report further highlights the positive contribution that international students make to the UK.

"They offer both a cultural and social benefit to our country, and make a significant contribution to our economy.

"We should be proud that our universities continue to attract students from all over the world.

"It is vital that the UK remains an open and welcoming destination for international students, and that their contribution is recognised and valued.

"Higher education is one of the UK’s most important and successful exports – but it is truly unique, in that alongside generating a significant economic contribution to the UK our universities have a hugely positive global impact, creating opportunity for millions of learners and helping address some of the most pressing global challenges.”