Tougher Competition Ahead for the U.S.
in the International Education Market

British undergraduate programs accepted nearly 20 percent more international students last year than in 2001, according to figures released yesterday by the British Council. 17 percent more American students signed up for studies at British universities last year. Total enrollment of foreign students in Britain was 232,760 for the 2001-2002 academic year. That number is smaller than the 582,996 foreign students studying in the United States.

The latest increase in British acceptances may lend some support to Americans who worry about foreign competition eating into the United States' share of the international education market.

Relaxed work regulations and more scholarships are two of the inducements used by the British. In addition, international students feel welcome in the U.K. In this time of international conflict, these things mean a lot.

Increased security concerns and stiffer immigrations rules could work against U.S. colleges and universities as they compete for world talent. That is a concern echoing across the United States, from Cleveland to Tucson to San Jose. Talent is the heart of the new economy and our ability to get our share of the new economic pie.

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