UK labour gaps drive int’l student demand, study finds

The study from ApplyBoard revealed a growing demand for computing and IT courses, and health and medicine, together accounting for over 20% of new international applicants in 2023/24.  

What was most surprising about the uptick is that it is happening “across so many student populations”, said Appyboard UK director Justin Wood.

“Fields like computing surged both in traditional STEM-driven countries like India and Nepal and in emerging markets such as Algeria and Uzbekistan,” he remarked. 

Similarly, 38% of incoming Filipino students chose healthcare-related courses, the highest proportion of nearly all emerging markets, followed by students from Zimbabwe, Jordan and Belgium.  

“Labour shortages appear to have a direct and growing influence on international student decision-making,” said Wood, identifying a clear link between workforce demand and rising enrolments.  

According to Wood, students are “attentive to where opportunities lie after graduation and are choosing courses that offer stronger employment potential”.  

This is illustrated by a 19% increase in international student applications to nursing courses in 2025, aligning with well-publicised NHS staffing gaps.  

The findings come as years of rising costs of living have made international students increasingly prioritise return on investment and job opportunities.  

The timing of the report is particularly poignant as the UK government prepares to shorten the graduate route to 18 months, a recent white paper proposal announced alongside stricter compliance rules that Wood warned could “create friction” for institutions and agents.  

“As institutions anticipate further sector reforms and post-white paper adjustments, maintaining a corridor into healthcare courses and facilitating effective post-study opportunities across disciplines will help to safeguard both student outcomes and national workforce goals,” he advised.  

Students from Nepal, Myanmar, Qatar and India showed a strong preference for computing and IT, while Ireland, Hong Kong and Canada lead in health and medicine, the research found.  

On the flip side, enrolment in engineering and technology courses continued to decline in high-volume markets such as India and Pakistan, suggesting these students are pivoting to disciplines with more direct job prospects, said Wood.  

Though the UK graduate route is not officially tied to areas of workforce shortages, the report’s findings suggest a strong trend of international students taking up jobs in sectors with chronic staffing needs.  

Labour shortages appear to have a direct and growing influence on international student decision-making

Justin Wood, Applyboard

Notably, applications from US students reached an all-time high, with nearly 8,000 submitted to UCAS for the upcoming year.   

Given the Trump administration’s attacks on higher education and the higher cost of US universities, the trend is somewhat unsurprising, with Wood expecting the momentum to continue.  

“[This will happen] especially if UK institutions expand targeted outreach and messaging around research pathways, postgraduate opportunities, and the UK’s global reputation in disciplines like business, law, and life sciences,” he advised.  

Among American students, a strong interest in the arts and humanities contrasted with other international student populations in the UK.  

In 2023/24, 59% of new international students from the US were enrolled in arts, social sciences and humanities course, compared to just 10% of Indian students. 

And yet, health and medicine courses attracted 15% of new student entrants from the US, making it the second most popular subject area, reflecting “a broader trend of American students looking abroad for pre-med and clinical studies,” explained Wood.  

While overall interest in the arts, social sciences and humanities continued to decline post-pandemic, the field has grown to become the top choice among Chinese students, accounting for nearly 38% of new entrants in 2023/24.  

Elsewhere, business and law remained dominant in South Asia, with more than half of new students from India and Pakistan opting for the discipline.  

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