Studying abroad: Facts and figures

Choosing to study abroad can prove to employers that you're flexible and culturally mobile. Many employers also think it gives you maturity and a breadth of experience that makes you stand out from other candidates. Take a look at what UK students are studying and where.

In 2014/15, around 24,000 UK students spent time studying or working abroad. Over 96% of these were undergraduate students, and the rest were postgraduates:

  • 18,200 were studying
  • Over 5,800 were working
  • 790 were volunteering

Top ten subject areas for overseas study in 2014/15 

  1. Languages, linguistics, and literature
  2. Business and administrative studies
  3. Medicine and dentistry
  4. Social studies
  5. Creative arts and design
  6. Biological sciences
  7. Physical sciences
  8. Historical and philosophical studies
  9. Subjects allied to medicine
  10. Law

Top ten destinations for UK students

  1. France – 3,560
  2. United States – 3,045
  3. Spain – 2,920
  4. Germany – 1,705
  5. Australia – 1,385
  6. Canada – 1,025
  7. Italy – 885
  8. China – 700
  9. Netherlands – 690
  10. Japan – 375

Length of study placements

  • One week – 1,955
  • 30 weeks – 1,335
  • Two weeks – 880
  • 52 weeks – 860
  • Eight weeks – 835