Universities in the United Kingdom, many facing financial difficulties, have educated more national leaders than any other country in the world, according to an analysis by Jisc, the UK’s higher education digital, data, and technology agency. UK institutions have educated 50 world leaders who were in office in 2022, followed by the US with 41 and the Russian Federation with 14. Despite this success, nearly three in four English institutions are expected to be in the red in 2025-26, according to a forecast by the higher education regulator, the Office for Students.
Based on Wikidata analysis, the University of Oxford has educated the most heads of state or government since 1990, with 36, followed by the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) with 24. Other institutions in the University of London federation collectively taught 16 leaders, followed by the University of Manchester and the University of Cambridge with 13 each.
Current leaders who graduated from the UK higher education system include Finland’s President Alexander Stubb and Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne. Namibia’s president-elect, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who will be inaugurated on 21 March, also studied in the UK, having obtained a postgraduate diploma in international relations and a Master’s in diplomatic studies from Keele University. Several reigning monarchs have studies in the UK, including the Emperor of Japan, Naruhito, who completed a postgraduate history degree at Merton College, Oxford.
However, job cuts and course closures are affecting the sector. Tuition fees have not kept pace with inflation and are insufficient to address the crisis, with a modest increase announced from £9,250 to £9,535. Additionally, a decrease in international students obtaining visas has contributed to the sector’s financial difficulties.
Vivienne Stern, chief executive of Universities UK, highlighted the importance of UK universities in providing “soft-power” benefits and shaping future leaders. Heidi Fraser-Krauss, Jisc chief executive officer, emphasized the unique impact of UK higher education around the world, despite current challenges. The education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, acknowledged the serious financial situation faced by the sector and the need for action to support the universities.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/feb/24/uk-universities-educate-the-most-national-leaders-globally-analysis-shows
