A new study reveals that the growing labour gaps in the UK are increasingly shaping international students’ course choices, with healthcare and IT emerging as top fields of interest.

Rising demand for healthcare and IT courses

Research from ApplyBoard highlights a sharp increase in demand for computing, IT, health, and medicine courses, which now account for over 20% of new international student applicants in 2023/24. Justin Wood, ApplyBoard UK’s director, pointed out that the rise is notable because it spans a diverse range of student populations worldwide.

“Fields like computing surged both in traditional STEM-driven countries like India and Nepal and in emerging markets such as Algeria and Uzbekistan,” Wood explained.

Labour shortages driving course choices

The study found that 38% of Filipino students chose healthcare-related programs, the highest share among emerging markets, followed closely by students from Zimbabwe, Jordan, and Belgium. Wood said that labour shortages are having a direct and growing influence on international students’ decision-making, linking workforce demand with rising enrolments.

Students are “attentive to where opportunities lie after graduation and are choosing courses that offer stronger employment potential,” he said. This is evident in the 19% jump in applications for nursing courses in 2025, aligning with well-documented NHS staffing shortages.

Economic pressures shape student priorities

The surge in demand coincides with rising living costs, prompting international students to prioritise courses that offer good return on investment and solid job prospects after graduation.

Policy changes could impact future enrolments

The timing of the report is critical as the UK government prepares to reduce the graduate visa route from its current duration to 18 months, a move detailed in a recent white paper. Wood warned that this, coupled with stricter compliance rules, could “create friction” for educational institutions and agents.

As reforms unfold, maintaining accessible healthcare programs and ensuring strong post-study employment opportunities across disciplines will be key to safeguarding student outcomes and supporting the UK’s workforce needs.

Preferences vary by country

The study showed students from Nepal, Myanmar, Qatar, and India predominantly favour computing and IT courses, while those from Ireland, Hong Kong, and Canada lean more toward health and medicine.

On the flip side, enrolments in engineering and technology courses have declined in major markets such as India and Pakistan, signalling a shift towards disciplines with clearer employment prospects.

A clear trend towards workforce-aligned careers

Although the UK graduate route isn’t formally tied to workforce shortage areas, the report reveals a strong trend of international students pursuing careers in sectors with persistent staffing challenges.

US student applications reach new heights

Applications from US students surged to a record nearly 8,000 submitted to UCAS for the upcoming year. Given past criticisms from the Trump administration toward US higher education and rising university costs, this trend is unsurprising. Wood expects this momentum to continue, especially if UK institutions ramp up targeted outreach around research, postgraduate study, and their global reputation in fields like business, law, and life sciences.

Distinct trends among American students

American students differ from other international groups by showing a strong preference for arts and humanities. In 2023/24, 59% of new US entrants chose courses in arts, social sciences, and humanities, compared to just 10% of Indian students.

Health and medicine courses ranked as the second most popular choice for US students, drawing 15% of entrants, a reflection of a broader trend of Americans seeking pre-med and clinical studies overseas.

Shifting interests among Chinese and south Asian students

While interest in arts and humanities has declined overall post-pandemic, it has become the top choice among Chinese students, making up nearly 38% of new entrants in 2023/24.

In South Asia, business and law remain dominant fields, with over half of new students from India and Pakistan opting for these disciplines.

Consequently, the evolving landscape of UK labour shortages is clearly influencing international student preferences, with increasing numbers gravitating toward healthcare, IT, and sectors aligned with workforce demands. As policy shifts loom, educational institutions must adapt to support both student ambitions and national economic goals.