Chartered ABS International Students Taskforce publishes country competitor analysis

The Chartered Association of Business Schools’ International Students Taskforce has published a country competitor analysis comparing the UK’s competitive position in the international student market with 10 key competitor countries, including the USA, Australia, and Canada.

The analysis finds that the UK’s competitive position remains strong, with several advantages contributing to its status as a leading study destination. The UK ranks highly for academic reputation, attractiveness as a place to study, safety, and the availability of professional qualifications and accreditations:

• The UK is second only to the USA in terms of academic prestige, as measured by the standing of its institutions in the QS and THE rankings. Many UK business school programmes also offer professional body accreditations.

• The UK has the second-highest ranking for attractiveness in the British Council’s Global Perceptions report.

However, recent government policy changes, including the ban on dependants’ visas, and the forthcoming shortening of the duration of the Graduate Route and introduction of an international student levy, pose a significant risk to the UK’s attractiveness as a study destination.

The UK is also notably one of the most expensive study destinations, not only compared with competitor countries in Asia but also with several EU nations, including France, Germany, and Italy. In addition, the UK offers relatively limited scholarship opportunities for international students compared with most other countries in the analysis.

The International Students: Country Competitor Analysis is the first in a series of reports to be produced by the Chartered ABS International Students Taskforce, which was convened to examine how international students studying in UK business schools contribute value to the UK and support the Government’s growth mission.

Professor Michael Mainelli, Chair, Chartered ABS International Students Taskforce; Chairman, Z/Yen Group; and President, London Chamber of Commerce & Industry said:

“Hosting top international business schools is not merely a matter of UK prestige: they are vital to sustaining long-term growth, innovation, and competitiveness. The future prosperity of the UK depends not just on what we produce domestically, but on the global human capital we attract, nurture and retain.

This report serves as both a wake-up call and a roadmap. Global competitors are not standing still. This report identifies where we need to catch-up, as well as where we do well. May this report inform better decisions, stimulate debate, and prompt action - so that the UK continues to be a hub of excellence and opportunity in a competitive world.”

The analysis draws on open data sources to compare each country’s offer to international students across several criteria, including cost, academic reputation, safety and attractiveness, and government policy factors such as student number caps.

Download the full report: International Students - Country Competitor Analysis Oct 2025

Find out more about the International Students Taskforce and its members here.