New information has revealed a big improve in international consciousness and pupil curiosity in finding out in Wales, with figures displaying the nation has the strongest progress in worldwide pupil numbers throughout the UK.
A brand new impartial analysis of the Examine in Wales model – a part of the International Wales program – reveals that worldwide recognition of Wales as a examine vacation spot has greater than doubled in simply three years.
In 2022, solely 21% of potential worldwide college students have been acquainted with Wales. By 2025, that quantity had grown to 44%, with particularly robust beneficial properties in precedence markets equivalent to India and the US.
In response to the information, pupil curiosity from India rose sharply, from 18% in 2022 to 32% in 2025, whereas curiosity from the US greater than doubles, from 14% to 32%.
Some 76% of scholars stated they have been extra more likely to think about finding out in Wales after seeing a Examine in Wales advert. In 2022, solely 21% of potential worldwide college students have been acquainted with Wales.
However by 2025, that quantity had grown to 44%, with particularly robust beneficial properties in precedence markets. Respondents generally described Wales as stunning, welcoming, secure and thrilling.
Tom Woodward, assistant director of Worldwide at Universities Wales, famous that Wales is more and more seen as a best choice for college kids drawn to its training high quality, tradition, and welcoming atmosphere.
“Examine in Wales has been instrumental in placing Welsh universities on the worldwide map,” he stated.
“By means of the model, our establishments work collaboratively to make sure that the nice and cozy welcome on supply in Wales is known by potential worldwide college students and companions. The truth that recognition of Wales has doubled throughout our key markets is testomony to the success of this work, and that of the broader International Wales programme.”
In response to current HESA information, Wales led the UK in worldwide pupil progress between 2020/21 and 2023/24. In key markets equivalent to India and the US, Wales outperformed different UK nations in attracting worldwide college students, establishing itself as a critical contender within the international training sector.
Universities in Wales are more and more rising in recognition resulting from elevated worldwide curiosity within the nation.
For instance, Wrexham College reported a noticeable improve in curiosity from US college students following movie star funding into Wrexham A.F.C. – with college students associating the establishment with Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney after a Disney+ documentary that charted their involvement with the once-ailing soccer membership.
