The economic impact of universities in 2014–15

Report

16 October 2017

Economic impact

Download Send Email

The higher education sector is vital to the UK economy. In 2014–15 it supported almost one million jobs, and contributed £21.5 billion to UK gross domestic product.

This report investigates the economic contribution that universities make annually to the UK economy through generating GDP, jobs and taxes, and their longer-term impact on the UK.

The research – carried out for Universities UK by Oxford Economics – also quantifies future economic benefits by estimating the long-term impact of the research, development, and skills generated in UK universities in the academic year 2014–15.

Read a summary of the research, or watch the above video, narrated by Universities UK President Professor Janet Beer.

The economic impact of universities in 2014–15

Report

16 October 2017

Economic impact

An investigation into the economic contribution that universities make annually to the UK economy through generating GDP, jobs and taxes, and their longer-term impact on the UK.

The economic impact of international students

Briefing

6 March 2017

Economic impact Immigration Parliament and government

This briefing outlines new figures for 2014–15 on the economic impact of international students studying in the UK, including the jobs generated at a regional level and the income they provide local businesses.

Economic impact on the UK of EU research funding to UK universities

Report

10 June 2016

Economic impact Research policy

EU research funding generates more than 19,000 jobs across the UK, £1.86 billion for the UK economy and contributes more than £1 billion to GDP, according to this report produced for Universities UK by Viewforth Consulting.

Download the full report

Infographics to download and share

Report summary

The economic impact of universities in 2014–15: report summary (PDF)

News

New poll shows overwhelming support for an immigration system based on skills

10 December 2019

A new poll has revealed that 80% of British adults agree that the UK's immigration system should allow scientists, academics and their support staff to work in this country at any stage of their career.