| Abstract: |
This study aimed to identify the pathways, intentions and relevant perceptions of (non-UK) European Union (EU) students entering English higher education. It sought to identify why students wished to obtain an English HE qualification, their attitudes towards the uptake and repayment of tuition fee loans and their future career plans. Drawing on longitudinal data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) and from a national survey of (non-UK) EU students in English Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), it aimed to provide a better understanding of their views on (and use of) the Student Loans system, in order to inform government policy and strategy in this area. Following chapter 1, Introduction, this report divides into 4 more chapters. Chapter 2 provides a national profile of non-UK EU students studying in England, the courses they were following and their post-graduation destinations, where known. It also provides a profile of the non-UK EU students who responded to the survey, examining their routes to higher education in England, their reasons for coming to England and their expectations with regard to academic, economic and social provision in English universities. Chapter 3 explores the financial circumstances of non-UK EU students, looking at their expectations and experiences, their knowledge and take-up of financial support mechanisms (particularly tuition fee loans) and their approaches to debt and to the repayment of loans. In Chapter 4 the report looks at the factors that appear to be predictors of the post-graduation status of both UK and non-UK EU students, drawing on the HESA destinations survey data, before exploring the plans of the non-UK EU students who responded to the survey. Finally, in Chapter 5, the implications of the findings from the study, particularly in relation to student pathways, intentions and financial and occupational behavior, are summarized and explored. Throughout the report, references are made to the 42 tables that can be found in Appendix 3. Other appendices include (1) Drawing the Sample; (2) EU Member States and Date of Accession; (4) Changes in Non-UK EU Population; and (5) Higher Education Institution Recruitment and Liaison. (Contains 42 tables.) [This report was written with Helen Robertson.] |