International students are making calculated decisions about their UK education, and the data tells a clear story. This episode examines the significant shifts in field of study preferences among UK international students from 2019 to 2024, revealing how employment prospects and visa pathways are driving program selection.

Key Headlines

Computing/IT Surge: Up 3 percentage points since 2019 among UK international students Health Demand Steady: 11% of all new international entrants choose health/medicine programs
Arts Decline: Social sciences and humanities down 5 percentage points since 2019

Market Drivers

Employment-First Mentality: Students increasingly choose programs based on job prospects rather than academic prestige

NHS Workforce Shortage: Healthcare demand driven by domestic staffing needs and specialized visa pathways like Health and Care Worker visas

Tech Sector Growth: Students responding to clear career pathways in expanding digital economy

Looking Ahead (2025+)

• AI/Machine Learning: Expect continued growth in computing programs
• Healthcare Crisis: International recruitment will remain priority for NHS-connected programs
• Career-Focused Selection: Students prioritizing ROI over traditional university rankings

Sources:

1. https://www.applyboard.com/applyinsights-article/what-fields-of-study-are-driving-international-demand-in-the-uk
2. https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa
3. https://www.nurses.co.uk/blog/impact-on-nhs-of-the-nursing-workforce-shortage-in-2025/