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International Student Applications in the United Kingdom After Brexit

Author

Listed:
  • Catalina Amuedo-Dorantes

    (University of California Merced & IZA)

  • Agnese Romiti

    (Department of Economics, University of Strathclyde)

Abstract

On June 23, 2016, the people of the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union. We examine how Brexit impacted international student applications. Using administrative data spanning from 2013 through 2019, along with a quasiexperimental approach, we find that Brexit curtailed the growth rate of international student applications by seven percent even before tuition fees had changed, ultimately lowering enrolments as well. The impact is larger for applications to pursue STEM studies and for those from countries with worse employment prospects and weaker economies, suggesting students’ ability to stay long-term in the United Kingdom was a critical pull factor.

Suggested Citation

  • Catalina Amuedo-Dorantes & Agnese Romiti, 2022. "International Student Applications in the United Kingdom After Brexit," Working Papers 22-03, University of Strathclyde Business School, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:str:wpaper:22-03
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • I20 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - General
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy
    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers

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