QUB Ranked 26th in the UK: Are We Doing Enough for International Students?
By Hetty Harris
Last month, Queen’s University was ranked the 26th best university in the UK [1] by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, entering the top 30 from a place last year of 31st.
Queen’s prides itself on being a global hub, attracting students from all corners of the world. The appeal of an international degree, alongside the prestige that comes with it, is undeniable. For many, studying abroad seems like a dream! An opportunity to experience new cultures and open doors to future success. However, for international students, the reality often comes with challenges that are frequently overlooked, particularly the language barrier.
Queens actively encourages international enrolment, with over 4,400 students from more than 90 countries making up 17% of the student body. [2] The university is ranked 4th in the world for international outlook, [3] a fact that reflects the institution’s drive to recruit globally. Yet, despite these efforts, language difficulties remain one of the most significant hurdles that international students encounter upon arrival.
Language Barriers: The Hidden Hurdle
While many international students arrive with a reasonable command of English, meeting the minimum English language proficiency requirements such as an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 or a TOEFL score of 80, the day to day reality is often more challenging. Many courses demand higher language skills, and the nuances of academic English, coupled with informal interactions and fast-paced lectures, can be overwhelming. For students who might have excelled in their home countries, the language barrier becomes an additional burden they must navigate on top of adjusting to a new culture and academic system.
The question we must ask is: is it fair? These students often find themselves in a catch 22. They are drawn to prestigious international institutions, but once here, their academic performance and social integration can suffer due to language issues. This struggle can lead to feelings of isolation, lower confidence, and even poorer academic results.
Financial Pressure: Is It Justified?
Another layer to this discussion is the financial aspect. International students pay significantly higher tuition fees compared to domestic students, with rates ranging from £20,800 for classroom-based courses to £44,200 for clinical courses like medicine. [2] The high costs make the stakes even higher for international students, who often face the pressure of meeting academic expectations while grappling with language challenges.
Many international students might ask themselves: Is it worth it? For students pursuing a degree in an English-speaking country to gain prestige and international recognition, the reality may not always match the dream. This mismatch between expectation and reality can affect their mental well-being and academic success.
Are We Doing Enough?
Queens does offer some support, including language assistance and academic help. However, is this enough? There seems to be a gap between the university’s enthusiasm for bringing in international students and the actual support needed to ensure they thrive. Many students don’t just need to pass the initial language tests, they need ongoing support to navigate the complex academic language and cultural differences they face in everyday life.
The Bigger Picture: Inclusivity and Global Success
If we are serious about being an inclusive and globally minded institution, more needs to be done. The university’s desire to diversify its student body is commendable, but the onus is on Queens to ensure that these students succeed, not just survive. Addressing language barriers more comprehensively, whether through more tailored support, peer mentoring, or academic language workshops, would be a step in the right direction.
International students contribute greatly to the diversity of our campus, and it’s time we ensure that the environment they enter is one where they can truly thrive. By bridging the gap between recruitment and support, Queens can solidify its global outlook in a meaningful way that benefits both the university and its international students.
Sources:
[1] ‘Queen’s Ranks Among Top 30 Universities in the UK’, Queen’s University Belfast, 20 September 2024, https://www.qub.ac.uk/News/Allnews/2024/queens-ranks-among-top-30-universities-UK.html
[2] Academic life: Studying at Queen’s, 2024, https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/Studying-at-Queens/#:~:text=17%25%20of%20the%20Queen’s%20student,Queen’s%20Planning%20Office%2C%202024
[3] Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2024, https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2024/world-ranking
