Economic impact

We create more than £1.17 billion in economic output

We support more than 11,000 jobs across the UK

Our international students and their visitors generate £256 million economic output and support more than 2,500 jobs

We support more than 5346 jobs in Exeter, 7% of employment

We support more than 8% of Exeter’s goods and services, worth £320 million (GVA)

We support £73.4 million in economic output in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

We support more than 850 jobs in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

By continuing to invest in our estate and facilities and delivering our Capital Strategy aims, we will be able to achieve key goals within our institutional strategy, Making the Exceptional Happen. Continuing to build our research power and delivering an exceptional education, has a direct influence on our economic impact for the city of Exeter, the region, and the UK as a whole.

An Economic Impact report, commissioned by the University of Exeter, was undertaken in summer 2017 to help us establish the economic impact we generate as a University, not just for the city of Exeter, but the region, and the UK as a whole.

The study looked at data from our campuses at Streatham, St Luke’s, Penryn and Truro, over the period September 2015–July 2016 (the latest year for which data were available).

The key finding from this report, highlight that in 2015/16, the University:

generated £1.17 billion in economic output across the UK
supported almost 11,000 full time equivalent (FTE) jobs in the South West
generated £540m of economic output and 5,300 jobs in Exeter alone
contributed nearly £75m of economic output to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
supported more than 850 jobs in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

The findings clearly show that the University plays a vital role as a large employer in Devon and Cornwall, with 1 in every 14 jobs in Exeter dependent on the University. We also make a valuable and significant contribution to the local, regional and national economy - the personal spend from our international students in Exeter is more than that of all other international visitors and tourists combined. The University also supports local growth through our world-class education and research activities – we make a difference and create a lasting impact through the activities we undertake.

Find out more details about the contribution we make. You can also download the full report The Economic Impact of the University of Exeter (.pdf).