International students in the Mid Bedfordshire constituency, home to Cranfield University, are expected to generate a net economic benefit of £78.3 million according to a new report from the Higher Education Policy Institute and Kaplan International Pathways.
The report found that international students who began their studies in 2024/25 will contribute economic benefits of £86.9 million to Mid Bedfordshire over the course of their studies, whilst costing the public purse £8.6 million.
Contributions to our economy and communities
The analysis estimates international students contribute an average net benefit of around £100,000 each to the UK economy, meaning every ten international students creates around £1 million in economic value. Postgraduate research students were found to generate the highest average benefit, of £205,000 per student.
For Mid Bedfordshire, the economic activity generated by international students supports around 545 full-time equivalent jobs.
Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor of Cranfield University, Professor Dame Karen Holford DBE FREng, said: "These figures highlight the significant contribution international students make to both our local communities and the wider UK economy. And beyond the economic impact, they enrich our communities with new ideas, skills and global perspectives, strengthening our region’s reputation as a centre for world-class education and innovation."
Blake Stephenson, MP for Mid Bedfordshire, said: “This report demonstrates the significant economic benefits realised by our world-leading Cranfield University in attracting the best and brightest post-graduate students to study here in Mid Bedfordshire. It is important that we strike the right balance with immigration, and continue attracting exceptional people to the UK who will genuinely benefit our country."
Talent from around the world drawn to Cranfield
Cranfield University is a world-leading specialist university which is highly ranked for its teaching and research. The University has around 5,000 postgraduate students from over 100 countries.
Cranfield’s strong industry links, advanced facilities and expert academic staff attract talented students from around the world, many of whom go on to apply their new skills and knowledge in their home countries and beyond.
One such graduate is Adit Shah who completed a master’s in Air Transport Management before securing a role with IndiGo, India’s largest passenger airline.
Adit said: “Many students come in with industry experience, and the insights they share are invaluable. Combined with the diversity of the course, you also get to learn about different cultures and how the air transport industry operates in other countries. For me, this diversity has been particularly beneficial.”
Cranfield University has extended its application deadline until 13 July 2026 for international applicants who do not require an ATAS certificate. Find out more on our website.
The report, The benefits and costs of international higher education students to the UK economy, is produced by London Economics.
