Migration to Scotland has hit a 10-year high, according to newly released figures from the National Records of Scotland (NRS). Net migration in Scotland increased by more than double between 2021 and 2022, reaching the highest level in a decade.This increase is largely attributed to a surge in international students, which saw a net migration rise from 22,200 to 48,800, with Glasgow and Edinburgh experiencing the highest influx.
A surge in international students
The NRS data illustrates a noteworthy shift in the demographics of those moving to Scotland. Esther Roughsedge, NRS head of population and migration statistics, explained, “This increase is likely the result of a substantial rise in the number of international students studying at universities in Scotland.”
The composition of these international students has changed markedly since Brexit. There has been a sharp increase in students from non-European Union (EU) countries, while those from EU countries have declined. For instance, the number of students from China increased from 9,525 in the 2017–2018 academic year to 20,830 in 2021–2022. Similarly, the number of Indian students increased from 1,660 to 10,165 over the same period.
The table below shows the number of students at Scottish universities from various countries:
The notable increase in students from non-EU countries and the decline in those from EU countries since Brexit reflect broader geopolitical shifts.
Comparative migration trends
The rise in net migration to Scotland is also evident compared to the rest of the UK. The NRS figures reveal that 36,300 more people moved to, rather than left, Scotland from outside the UK during the year 2021–2022—up from 13,300 the previous year. Additionally, net migration from the rest of the UK to Scotland rose to 12,500, compared to 8,900 in the previous year.
For the entire UK, the Office for National Statistics reported a net migration figure of 685,000 for 2023, including asylum seekers. Of these migrants, 11% were from EU countries, 82% were from non-EU countries and the remaining 7% were British nationals moving to the UK. Like Scotland, the majority of non-EU migrants came to the UK for educational purposes, with 423,000 individuals migrating for study.
The chart below shows the net migration trends in Scotland from 2020 to 2022.
Impact on higher education
The increase in international students has had a noticeable impact on higher education enrolments in Scotland. The Higher Education Statistics Agency’s data shows a marked increase in the number of international students at Scottish universities over recent years.
In the 2021–2022 academic year, the total number of students enrolled at Scottish universities reached new heights, with substantial contributions from non-EU countries. The table below shows the higher education student enrolments at Scottish universities from the 2019–2020 to the 2021–2022 academic year:
Managing increasing numbers for sustainability
The rising number of international students has brought social and cultural diversity to Scotland. To manage the growing trend of international students, Scottish universities and the government have implemented various programs and initiatives as part of Scotland’s International Education Strategy. This includes expanding accommodation facilities, enhancing support services for international students, and fostering cultural exchange programs to help integrate international students into the community.
Scotland’s growing appeal
The statistics show a rising trend in international migration, which reflects Scotland’s appeal as a destination for higher education. This shift not only influences the demographic landscape but also brings economic and cultural benefits to the country.
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For more detailed information, check out Scotland’s migration figures and UK’s migration figures
