UK students at top universities now account for less than 25% of some leading institutions’ income.
UK Russell Group students now provide less than a quarter of Russell Group universities’ income, according to a recent article in The Times newspaper published last week.
The UK’s top research universities include some of the countries best-known and most prestigious higher education institutions and have often been regarded as a magnet for well-heeled foreign students.
Against a background where universities have been reported to lose £2,500 per year on every UK student on their roll due to a 10-year government cap, this is probably a welcome relief for their finance departments. An average of 57% of income is coming in from overseas undergraduates with UCL, LSE and Imperial College flagging up income in excess of 76%.
When estimates project the shortfall on home students will rise to £5,000 per year by 2029/30, this growing proportion comes at a time when many are questioning the viability of the current UK university funding model.
From a PBSA investor’s perspective, it must be welcome news that deep-pocketed overseas students are still a key part of the British university scene despite Brexit and governmental restrictions.
UK-based student accommodation still demonstrates significant shortfalls in supply and many students are struggling to find secure, all-inclusive digs that are close-by their studies and local amenities.
With a continuing pool of affluent overseas students still very much in evidence, this augurs well for the continued success of PBSA development in the most popular locations. Contact Tony for your entry to this flourishing asset class.