UKCISA - International students in UK HE - International student statistics: UK higher education International students in UK HE - International student statistics: UK higher education You need to be logged in as a member to view this page. Email address Student experience projects & research International student statistics: UK higher education These pages are updated from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). HESA gathers data for all publicly funded Higher Education Institutions and the University of Buckingham. The data also includes stats on Higher Education (HE) level courses which are delivered at Further Education (FE)Colleges. The first data for 15/16 was released on 12 January 2017 and our pages have been updated. Some tables will be updated in the second release in February - check the date below each table to see what year the data relates to. For information about the data for 15/16 see the links below: Summary of data from HESA (see Charts 4, 7 and 8) You can access data this year on the new HESA app .

For responses to the 15/16 data see: PIE News 12/01/17 Chief Executive, Dominic Scott commented: ‘These figures for 2015/16 (which always come out reliably but frustratingly late) appear largely to confirm what other sources (such as informal reports and Home Office visa figures) have been saying for some time. That compared with many other countries our non EU recruitment is virtually stagnant – with first year arrivals decreasing, countries like India nosediving but fortunately China keeping the totals as high as they are. Whilst they accord with official Home Office statistics (as HESA note), ministers often attempt to give a far more positive figure by merely quoting the number of visa applicants to Russell Group universities which they say are on the increase. But all this shows – and without doubt as a direct result of visa restrictions – the picture for the whole of the UK HE sector is far from rosy and certainly not the time for the government to consider the sort of further measures suggested in October by the Home Secretary’ Last modified: 16 January 2017 Sections Please note - the data based on the first release from HESA on 12/01/17 has been updated.

The remainder will be updated with the next release in February 2017. Note: totals differ in the tables below due to rounding within the HESA data. International (non-UK) students in UK HE in 2015-16 81% of students studying in HE in the UK are from the UK. 6% are from the rest of the EU and 14% are from the rest of the world 46% of students studying at postgraduate level in the UK are from outside the EU. The number of Chinese students far exceeds any other nationality at 91,215. This is the only country showing a significant increase in student numbers. The number of Indian students coming to the UK to study continues to fall (44% decrease in the last five years).

Across the UK: England has the highest number of students from outside the EU (14%) Scotland has the highest number of students from the EU (not including UK) (9%) Wales has had the largest decrease in numbers from students from outside the EU (11% drop since 2014-15) Northern Ireland has seen a 7% decrease in students from outside the EU since 2014-15. International students in UK HE by domicile, level and mode, European Union (EU) (excluding UK) and non-EU, 2014-15 Level of Study/Domicile Study in the UK | Top Universities Study in the UK 734 shares Hosting over 500,000 international students, the UK is the world’s second leading study destination (after the US), largely thanks to the strong global reputation of UK universities. An impressive 71 UK universities feature in the QS World University Rankings® 2016-2017 (again, only the US has more), and four institutions are currently ranked within the global top 10.

Despite uncertainties following the nation’s referendum on EU membership in June 2016, UK universities are united in their efforts to continuing welcoming students from across the EU and the entire world. Indeed, the country is home to many of the world’s most internationally diverse campuses and communities – and this, for many, is a large part of the appeal of studying in the UK. Click on the tabs below for information about top universities in the UK, popular student cities, and practical information about applications, costs and student visas – including the possible impact of the UK’s exit (‘Brexit’) from the EU.

Fast Facts Sovereign state with four member states: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland Capital city: London (also the capital of England and largest city in the UK) Capital of Wales is Cardiff, of Scotland is Edinburgh and of Northern Ireland is Belfast Constitutional monarchy with parliamentary system with bicameral legislature Queen Elizabeth II is head of state, a largely ceremonial role Head of government is the prime minister (Theresa May as of 2016) Developed country, and the world’s sixth biggest economy Was the world’s first industrialized country Member of European Union and Commonwealth of Nations, as well as the Council of Europe, the G7, the G8, the G20, NATO, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) 14 Overseas Territories and 3 Crown Dependencies Official language: English (Welsh has resurged as a second language in Wales in recent years, and other regional languages include Scots and Gaelic) Popular sports include: football (soccer), tennis, rugby union, rugby league, golf, cricket, rowing, boxing, motorsport and horse racing Traditional British cuisine includes the ‘full breakfast’, fish and chips, Sunday roast, shepherd’s pie,

 Cornish pasties, haggis, Yorkshire pudding, Arbroath Smokie and Welsh cakes.

Currency: Pounds Sterling (£) Time zone: Greenwich Mean Time (same as UTC); British Summer Time in summer (UTC+1) Cars drive on the left. 3 Applications, Fees & Visas Higher education in the UK varies in each constituent state (England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland), though the systems are fairly similar. Undergraduate degrees at universities in the UK typically last three years, although courses in Scotland are usually a year longer. Some UK universities also offer fast-track undergraduate courses which can be completed in as little as two years. You could also choose a vocational-based ‘foundation degree’, which typically lasts one or two years and is similar to the US associate’s degree . Students in the UK start their higher education with a bachelor’s degree, although for some subjects you can enroll on an undergraduate degree that leads directly into a master’s program – these combined courses are four years long. Taken separately, master’s programs last one or two years, and PhDs at least three. Courses are taught in English at most universities in the UK, with some Welsh-language programs offered in Wales and Scottish Gaelic-language programs in Scotland.

Top UK universities The University of Cambridge is currently ranked fourth in the world, while the University of Oxford is sixth, followed by UCL (University College London) at seventh and Imperial College London in ninth place. King's College London (KCL) and the University of Edinburgh are also in the global top 25, while the University of Manchester and London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) are within the top 40. A total of 18 UK universities appear in the top 100, and another 12 make the top 200. A shortage of exciting options will not be an issue if you’re looking to study in the UK. The strength of UK universities also led to the country being ranked second in the QS Higher Education System Strength Rankings 2016 . Scottish Cities in High Demand Among EU Students Combining varied countryside and cosmopolitan cities, the UK has plenty to please both nature lovers and culture vultures. British filmmakers, actors, musicians, designers and writers are known and respected across the globe, and this is reflected in strong arts and cultural scenes across the country, with a huge range of galleries, museums and venues to match.

At the more relaxed end of the culture spectrum, you can embrace the national passion for sport (especially football/soccer) or the classic British pastime of going to the pub. Universities in the UK are also microcosms of entertainment in themselves, full of opportunities for getting involved in sports, theater, volunteering, and just having a good night out. Most major UK cities and universities are highly multicultural, providing opportunities to get to know both UK nationals and students from around the world. Find out more about some of the UK's top student cities... London The UK’s capital city ranks among the world’s best cities for students , and has an impressive 18 universities featured in the QS World University Rankings®. Home to nine million people, this large metropolis is the financial, cultural and political center of the country. London life is busy and fast-paced, so if you don’t like crowds or noise, it might not be the place for you! It has a (deserved) reputation for being expensive, so may also not be the best choice for those on a tight budget – but most of those who do study in London will agree that the city is worth every penny in the opportunities for culture, fun and networking on offer.

Home to many of the best libraries, museums, art galleries, nightclubs and theaters in the UK, and the hub of many of its most competitive professional sectors, London has more to see and do than you’ll have time to get to the end of – even if you stay long enough to complete a PhD. Indeed, there are few places in the world which can guarantee as exciting and diverse an experience – both academically and otherwise. Manchester Manchester is famed for its music scene – few cities have produced as many prominent bands and acts (such as the Sex Pistols and Oasis) in the past 30 years. The city is home to an eclectic range of music venues, large and small, ensuring the city’s music scene is as vibrant and fast-moving as ever. The trendy-bohemian Northern Quarter is popularly considered the cultural heart of the city, while the Canal Street area – the center of the city’s gay community – is among its liveliest nightspots. While Manchester is undoubtedly something of a party town, it’s also big on sports – especially football (soccer). The global fame of Manchester United is difficult to beat, while local rival Manchester City is one of the wealthiest clubs in the world.

Manchester should also be on your shortlist if you’re a fan of architecture – you’ll find an interesting variety of styles, from Victorian and Gothic to contemporary skyscrapers. Multicultural in general, Manchester also has the third-largest Chinese population in Europe, and a thriving Chinatown area. Among universities in Manchester, the top ranking institution is the University of Manchester (which incorporates Alliance Manchester Business School ), at 29th in the QS World University Rankings 2016-2017. If you want to get more of a feel for the city, you could tune in to the University of Manchester’s student radio station, Fuse FM, or perhaps listen to MMU Radio, run by students from nearby Manchester Metropolitan University (ranked 701+). Also just outside the city center is the University of Salford (also 701+), not far from the BBC’s MediaCity complex, and a cluster of cultural venues including the Lowry Center and the Museum of Science and Industry. Birmingham The UK’s second-largest city, Birmingham rose to prominence during the industrial revolution.

Today Birmingham (or Brum, as it is known affectionately to locals) is a thriving commercial hub, home to the UK’s largest shopping area outside of London, and one of the most multicultural places in the UK. It offers thriving art, music and literary scenes, including the prestigious City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and a range of other cultural institutions. Birmingham’s six universities also make it the UK’s largest center of higher education and academic research outside of the capital, while the ongoing ‘Big City Plan’ aims to make Birmingham one of the top 20 most livable cities in the world within 20 years. The highest-ranked among universities in Birmingham is the University of Birmingham , at 82nd in the QS World University Rankings. Other options include Aston University (ranked 358th) and four other universities, including the Open University ’s West Midlands regional center. The city of Birmingham itself was a new entry in the QS Best Student Cities 2016 at 66th.

Glasgow It may have lived for many years in the genteel shadow of Edinburgh (which, incidentally, claims the UK’s fifth highest-ranked university, the University of Edinburgh ), but Scotland’s largest city has in recent years shaken off its former gritty reputation to emerge as one of the UK’s most dynamic and desirable places to live. With historic architecture, distinctive local traditions and museums to rival any city in the UK, Glasgow now also has enough trendy bars, restaurants and gig venues to keep even the most hardened hipster entertained (plus the world’s tallest cinema). PETA has declared the city to be the most vegan-friendly in the UK. And, while Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland, it is not as overrun by tourists as Edinburgh and has a significantly lower cost of living. It also has the largest student population in Scotland (and the second largest in the UK, after London). In keeping with the city’s general upwards trajectory, universities in Glasgow have been climbing the rankings in recent years. The University of Glasgow now stands at joint 63rd in the QS World University Rankings, while the University of Strathclyde is ranked joint 272nd.

Read more about the top universities in Scotland > Oxford and Cambridge Yes, Oxford and Cambridge are two separate cities, each with a distinct history and character. But the two halves of ‘ Oxbridge ’ are also bound together in the collective imagination as semi-mythical academic enclaves with a profound historic affinity, as well as an ever-so-slightly tongue-in-cheek rivalry. Both are old medieval towns, built on rivers and situated towards the south of England not far from London, both are relatively quiet and peaceful, and both are completely dominated by their universities – the two oldest in the Anglophone world. Oxford and Cambridge are both collegiate universities , and their constituent colleges loom large over the city centers, which you’ll also notice are teeming with the bright young attendees (usually on bicycles when they’re not relaxing on the river in a punting boat).

While Cambridge is home to a large cluster of high-technology industries such as software and bioscience, earning it the name ‘Silicon Fen’ (a play on Silicon Valley), Oxford has a long history of brewing and has been an important center of motor-manufacturing for years, with the main production site for Mini cars, now owned by BMW, based there.Both remain among the most famous and prestigious universities in the world, with the University of Cambridge ranked fourth in the QS World University Rankings 2016-2017, while the University of Oxford is sixth. And, of course, to list their notable alumni would have an effect somewhat akin to snow blindness! Other UK cities featured in the QS Best Student Cities index include: Edinburgh , Coventry (with the highly ranked University of Warwick nearby), Newcastle-Upon-Tyne and Nottingham . Scottish Cities in High Demand Among EU Students Applying to universities in the UK The UK has a centralized university admissions service which handles all undergraduate applications – the University and College Admissions Service (UCAS). This is used by both domestic and international students to apply for courses at universities in the UK. You’ll need to register on the UCAS website before completing and submitting your application.

The website provides all the details on how to apply, what to include, how to track your application and how to respond to your chosen universities. It also has a guide for international students , including information about visas, student finance and more. Once you’ve submitted your application, UCAS will send it to the institutions you’ve chosen, and then email or mail you back their response. If you’re accepted by an institution, you’ll get an ‘offer’. This can take the form of a ‘conditional offer’ which means the place is yours if you can fulfil the specified admissions criteria, or an ‘unconditional offer’ which means you’ve already reached their criteria. If you’re unlucky, you’ll receive either a ‘withdrawn application’ response, which means either you or the university has withdrawn your course choice, or an ‘unsuccessful application’ response, which means the university has decided not to offer you a place. You might be able to add another choice if you've received decisions from all five universities or colleges and were not accepted, or if you declined the offers you received.

For schools, English language centers, most further education courses and some postgraduate courses, there is no centralized application system, so you’ll need to apply directly to the institution providing the course. You can usually find application forms on the website. UK university application requirements All students are required to write a ‘personal statement’ explaining their reasons for wanting to study their chosen subject. If you are applying to more than one institution (as is usual), make sure not to mention any by name, as they will all receive the same personal statement. The UCAS website has a lot of tailored advice for writing personal statements, but as a rule-of-thumb, international students are encouraged to mention why they want to study in the UK rather than in their home country, how their studies will help them in the future, and describe their English language skills (perhaps by mentioning any English courses or tests they have taken). As well as completing the UCAS process, international students may need to send copies of their academic transcripts to their course provider. This is usually because UCAS can only send some results from awarding bodies (such as the International Baccalaureate) directly to your chosen course providers. For most other international qualifications, the universities will ask that the results are sent directly to them.

There are different application forms and deadlines depending on the type of course you’re applying for. The UCAS website is usually very clear on deadlines, and it’s important to make sure you don’t miss these, as some universities may not consider late applications. Though UCAS processes the applications, decisions about admissions requirements are made by individual universities. So, if you have any questions that are not about the technicalities of application, you should direct them to the university concerned. Before applying, make sure you read up on the course requirements, tuition fee costs and course details, emailing the university if you need more information. Remember that requirements may vary depending on your country of residence. If you’re planning to study in the UK at postgraduate level, check out the latest edition of the QS Top Grad School Guide . UK tuition fees & living costs The level of UK tuition fees varies depending on your home country. EU students are charged the same as students from within the UK, while those from outside the EU typically face higher fees.

Maximum undergraduate tuition fees at public universities in the UK also vary depending on the region: in England, universities can charge up to £9,250 (~US$11,330) per year, and in Wales up to £9,000 (~US$11,020). Scotland does not charge tuition fees at undergraduate level for domestic or EU students (except those from the other three parts of the UK, who will pay up to £9,000 a year). In Northern Ireland, Northern Irish students and those from EU countries pay up to £3,925 (~US$4,800) per year, while students from the other parts of the UK will pay up to £9,250. International students from outside the EU can expect significantly higher tuition fees, varying between about £7,000 (~US$8,580) and £35,000 (~US$42,900) per year depending on the course. At postgraduate level, there’s no set maximum amount, and for all students (UK/EU/international), tuition fees tend to be higher than at undergraduate level.

Again, this varies depending on the degree and university. The result of the UK’s referendum on membership of the European Union (dubbed ‘Brexit’) has led to some uncertainty about whether EU citizens studying in the UK will have to pay higher fees after the UK officially leaves the EU. However, many universities have pledged to keep tuition fees at the same rate for current EU students for the duration of their studies. The UK government has also stated that there will be no immediate change to visa policies, and that EU students are still eligible for the same loans and grants. Living costs in the UK You’ll need at least £12,000 a year to cover living costs in the UK (~US$14,720) and will need to budget more to live in London, where rent and other costs are considerably higher than in the rest of the UK. If applying for a visa, you’ll need to meet the financial requirements set by the UK Border Agency (UKBA). One way to save money while studying in the UK is to take advantage of the many student discounts offered by retailers – simply flash your student card to save money!

Read our full guide to the costs of study in the UK > UK student financial aid There are many financial support options for international students who wish to study in the UK. EU nationals may also qualify for help from Student Finance England (SFE). UK student financial aid is applied for separately from the UCAS application. Many international students are eligible for scholarships, grants, bursaries, financial awards and loans, run by governments, charities and other organizations. You may also be eligible to apply for a QS Scholarship , while MBA candidates can apply for a relevant QS MBA Scholarship . The Ministry of Education in your home country or even your local British Council office may have information on sources of support. For most schemes, competition is very tough, so you should apply early as you can to maximize your chances. Depending on your nationality, you may also be eligible for a loan or financial support from the UK government. Always make sure you find out what is and is not covered by your financial support scheme so you can prepare to cover any other costs yourself. It is recommended to look for financial support before you start your course, as it can be very difficult to find funding mid-way through the academic year.

Read more about postgraduate funding options in the UK > Healthcare in the UK While private healthcare in the UK can be expensive, all international students on full-time courses lasting at least six months are entitled to use the National Health Service (NHS) which provides free registration and consultation with an NHS doctor (GP) or nurse, free hospital treatment when referred by your GP, and a standard charge for each item of prescribed medicine (except in Wales and Scotland where prescriptions are free). You may be able to register with the NHS at your university health center. Otherwise, you should register at a GP center close to your accommodation or university. The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) is also a good resource for details about healthcare, student support and working during or after your studies. Student accommodation in the UK Most international students who study in the UK live in accommodation provided by the university, with main accommodation types being halls of residence, student houses and student flats. These can be catered or self-catered, with home stays (staying with a UK family) being fairly uncommon. You can also choose from a range of private accommodation, either living by yourself or sharing with a group of friends. Try to secure your student accommodation before you arrive in the UK.

International students are usually given preference for places in student halls, while there are plenty of websites to help with house-hunting. The Student Union and the Student Housing Office at your university should also be great sources of information on how to find accommodation. Settling in to the UK You’ll probably find your UK university will hold a series of welcome events for international students, including social activities, workshops and ‘orientation sessions’, with a chance to explore the campus and local area. You can also join in with ‘ Freshers’ Week ’, a week-long (or sometimes fortnight-long) calendar of events designed to welcome all new students (‘fresher’ is an informal term used to describe new university students). There will also be a Freshers’ Fair, which is a chance to join student clubs and societies that interest you, including sports, art and social groups. It is recommended that you open a UK bank account as soon as you can after your arrival in the UK. This can take a few weeks, so make sure you have access to enough cash until then. Residents of some countries may be required to register with the police.

Sovereign state with four member states: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland Capital city: London (also the capital of England and largest city in the UK) Capital of Wales is Cardiff, of Scotland is Edinburgh and of Northern Ireland is Belfast Constitutional monarchy with parliamentary system with bicameral legislature Queen Elizabeth II is head of state, a largely ceremonial role Head of government is the prime minister (Theresa May as of 2016) Developed country, and the world’s sixth biggest economy Was the world’s first industrialized country Member of European Union and Commonwealth of Nations, as well as the Council of Europe, the G7, the G8, the G20, NATO, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) 14 Overseas Territories and 3 Crown Dependencies Official language: English (Welsh has resurged as a second language in Wales in recent years, and other regional languages include Scots and Gaelic) Popular sports include: football (soccer), tennis, rugby union, rugby league, golf, cricket, rowing, boxing, motorsport and horse racing Traditional British cuisine includes the ‘full breakfast’, fish and chips, Sunday roast, shepherd’s pie, Corn

ish pasties, haggis, Yorkshire pudding, Arbroath Smokie and Welsh cakes.

Currency: Pounds Sterling (£) Time zone: Greenwich Mean Time (same as UTC); British Summer Time in summer (UTC+1) Cars drive on the left. Record number of students applying to university - Telegraph University education Record number of students applying to university According to Ucas, the number of university applications has exceeded the record set before the rise in tuition fees and poorer pupils are now more likely than ever to apply In total, 592,290 university applications were submitted to the January 15th deadline Photo: Alamy By Josie Gurney-Read, Online Education Editor 12:01AM GMT 30 Jan 2015 Follow The number of university applicants has reached a record high as demand for higher education courses continues to rise. Figures published today by the University and College Admissions Service (Ucas) have revealed that, overall, there has been a 2 per cent increase in the number of applications compared with the same point last year.

In total, 592,290 applications were submitted to the January 15th Ucas deadline, almost 10,000 more than the previous record, set in 2011, just before the rise in tuition fees. Breaking down the figures, applications from the EU have risen by 7 per cent, while those from outside the EU have also gone up by 3 per cent overall. Despite the fact that applications from prospective students in the UK have only risen by 1 per cent, Ucas submissions by 18 year olds in all UK countries are now at their highest ever levels. Related Articles Why straight-As aren't good enough for Oxbridge 20 Jul 2014 Further analysis of the figures reveals that young people from the UK's most disadvantaged areas are now more likely than ever to apply to higher education. The data shows that 21 per cent of disadvantaged 18-year-olds in England applied to higher education courses this year, a 3 per cent rise from 2014. However, better-off sixth formers are still over twice as likely to apply.

Speaking at Kingston University later today, Vince Cable, the Business Secretary, is expected to say that today's figures demonstrate the "significant headway" the Government has made to "break down barriers to higher education". "There were many who said that the reform of student finance would discourage young people from going to university. The opposite has occurred; numbers have grown, in particular those from disadvantaged backgrounds." Commenting on today's figures, Sir Peter Lampl, chairman of the Sutton Trust, said: “The continuing growth in disadvantaged applicants is welcome, and will narrow the access gap. Nevertheless, there is still a significant gap, particularly to the most selective universities." Earlier this week, figures published by the Department for Education revealed that pupils from fee paying schools were twice as likely to attend Russell Group universities and five times as likely to attend Oxbridge, than pupils from state schools. While the figures only reflect destinations of pupils leaving schools and colleges in 2013, Sir Peter Lampl said that more could still be done to ensure that pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds were encouraged to apply to university. The destination data also highlighted the difference in university admissions across the country, highlighting black spots, particularly in reference to the top performing institutions.

According to the figures, Coventry, Derby and Doncaster didn't send any pupils to Oxbridge in 2012/2013. However, today's figures from Ucas have revealed that the gap in applications is slowly closing. Compared with 2006, prospective undergraduates are now 72 per cent more likely to apply to study at university. Today's figures also reveal that: – over 90,000 more women than men have applied to university this year – demand from young women is increasing faster than from young men. In England young women are now 36 per cent more likely to apply. – London has seen the largest increase in demand with 44 per cent of 18 year olds now applying. Mary Curnock Cook, chief executive of UCAS said: “Demand for UK higher education, notably from younger people and from EU countries, has continued to rise in 2015. It is heartening to see the gap between rich and poor continue to narrow.

However, Pam Tatlow, chief executive of the university think-tank million+, said that there was still work to do to close the gap in admissions: “It is still the case that students from affluent backgrounds are 2.5 times more likely to apply to university than those from less advantaged families and there are significant variations between parliamentary constituencies. "There is clearly unfinished business for the next government to secure educational opportunities for all.” Most Popular University Cities | Student Cities of the UK Student Cities > Best university cities > Most popular Student cities with top satisfaction ratings The best way of measuring the popularity of a course, institution and city with students is when they are nearing the completion of their studies. Using results from the National Student Survey, we can calculate which cities give graduates the most positive feelings. City satisfaction scores For every student city, we have calculated a course satisfaction score. The city score weights the satisfaction score (which is out of five) for each university by its percentage of total students in the city. This also gives a score out of five. The course satisfaction score is really an inverse measure of dissatisfaction. All universities produce reasonably high satisfaction levels.

The percentages of students reporting themselves as at least 'satisfied' range from the low 70s up to the mid 90s, with the average in the high 80s. The top performers have very few dissatisfied students, as few as one-sixth of the bottom universities. A score out of five for each university and has been calculated by ranking it along the score distribution for all UK universities. The top universities score just below 5.0 while the bottom ones score just above 0.0. The score for a city is usually away from the extremes due to averaging, with the exception of cities that are dominated by a top or bottom performing university. Large cities with many universities tend to have scores close to the overall average for all universities, which is 2.5 out of 5.0. To provide a fairer comparison, scores are compared for cities in three groups: big cities (>300,000 people), smaller university cities (cities/towns that are home to multiple universities but <300,000 people), and single-university towns (cities/towns that are home to just one higher-education institution). Most satisfying big cities Top 5 Big Cities1.

Belfast (3.8)2. Coventry (3.6)3. Cardiff (3.3)4. Nottingham (3.0)5. Birmingham (2.8)The big student cities that achieve the highest student satisfaction rates all employ a similar model. Each city supports a large student population in or very close to the city centre. Students are right at the heart of city life and the facilities offered by the city produce happy students. Belfast , the capital and largest city in Northern Ireland, takes the prize as the most popular big student city in the UK. Belfast's high overall rating is driven by Queen's University Belfast, which accounts for close to half of the city's students and has a course satisfaction rating of 4.2. Students in the city benefit from relatively low congestion and cheap living. In second spot is Coventry , a student city close to Birmingham with two large universities. Its biggest and highest rated university is Coventry University , which has its main campus located in the city centre. Cardiff is the UK's third most satisfying city for students. The positive result is due to a high rating for Cardiff University , the most central and largest of the city's universities.

The fourth and fifth most satisfying student cities in the UK are Nottingham and Birmingham respectively. Nottingham is home to more than 60,000 students attending its two universities. Birmingham is the UK's second largest city and the base for the University of Birmingham . Most satisfying smaller cities Top 5 Small Cities1. Norwich (4.6)2. Hull (4.2)3. Bath (4.1)4. Oxford (3.8)5. York (3.5) Top 5 Towns1. St Andrews (4.7)2. Guildford (4.6)3. Exeter (4.5)4. Lancaster (4.4)5. Durham (4.3) National Student Survey The student satisfaction figures quoted are calculated using data for 2011/12 (published in 2013) from the National Student Survey (NSS). The NSS has been conducted by Ipsos MORI for the Higher Education Funding Council for England annually since 2005. It runs across all publicly funded Higher Education Institutions in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.

The NSS takes place between January and the end of April each year. The response rate is around two-thirds, corresponding to approximately 300,000 individual forms submitted. The survey gathers opinions from final-year undergraduates on the quality of the courses they studied. It asks them to provide honest feedback on what it has been like to do the course at the institution. Scores are correlated with general measures of personal welfare. Respondents rate a number of common student experiences, including teaching and learning, assessment and feedback, academic support, organisation and management and learning resources. Satisfaction is calculated using the combination of the percentage of students responding “Definitely Agree” and “Mostly Agree” to the question about overall satisfaction with the course. Facts & figures - About the OU - Open University Home Strategy Facts & figures Facts & figures Since the OU’s launch in 1969, 1.89 million people worldwide have achieved their learning goals by studying with us. The OU is the largest academic institution in the UK with 173,889 students Our global reach Open University students are not just in the UK. Most courses are available throughout Europe and some worldwide – and many more are available through our partnerships and accredited institutions.

8,353 overseas students directly studying with the OU 800,000 teachers who have benefitted from OU's TESSA project Our students There is no typical OU student. People of all ages and backgrounds study with us, for all sorts of reasons – to update their skills, get a qualification, boost their career, change direction, prove themselves, or keep mentally active. 76% of OU students work full or part-time during their studies 21% of OU UK undergraduates live in the 25% most deprived areas 30% of new OU undergraduates are under 25 We are the largest provider of higher education for people with disabilities : More than 21,000 people with disabilities studied with us in 2014/15. Our open admissions policy helps thousands of people who failed to achieve their potential earlier in life: 40% of students had one A level or a lower qualification at entry OU students in the workplace The qualities it takes to get an OU qualification are exactly what employers are looking for. They know that OU students are up for a challenge, understand how to prioritise and manage their time, and can see things through to the end.

86% of FTSE 100 companies have sponsored staff on OU courses The OU and digital media OpenLearn, a free learning resources website from the OU, has had 38.5 million visits since its launch in 2006. The OU’s extensive material on iTunes U has had 69.9 million downloads Funding facts Financial highlights from the academic year 2014/15 appear on the website . Research facts 72% of OU research submitted was assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2014) 192 doctoral degrees awarded in 2014/15 Did you know? 10 fascinating facts about the OU The Open University was founded in 1969 and took its first 24,000 students in 1971. The Archers, Brookside, Ever Decreasing Circles, Birds of a Feather and Goodnight Sweetheart have all had OU students written into their plots. One of actress Julie Walters’ first major film roles was portraying an OU student opposite Michael Caine in Educating Rita.

The OU is the largest provider of law graduates in the UK The OU is one of a handful of universities to have won University Challenge twice, in 1985 and 1999, and is in joint third position in the all-time points list. Well-known names who have tutored for the OU include former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, actress Glenda Jackson and broadcaster Anna Ford In 2015 the OU held degree ceremonies in 13 towns and cities across the UK and Ireland. The OU is the UK’s only university dedicated to distance learning The Open University is rated one of the best in the UK for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey. The OU is one of only four UK universities to have consistently achieved more than 90% in the survey’s history The OU has had a partnership with the BBC for over 40 years and co-produces up to 25 TV and radio series a year with the BBC. Recent examples include: Britain's Great War, Airport Live, Wartime Farm, Stargazing Live, Coast, An Hour to Save Your Life, Bang Goes The Theory, More or Less, Thinking Allowed and The Bottom Line.

For a deeper insight, including information on student outcomes, please read our Facts and Figures leaflet . Details of data for all UK Higher Education institutions is published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency .

Question: Which University in the UK has the largest number of students?
Answer: The Open University