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The entrepreneurial spirit: how UK universities help you set up your own business

If your goal is to become your own boss, you are far from alone: according to one study, 64% of those aged 16 to 25 in the UK want to set up their own business, or already have. Universities are the ideal place to nurture these ambitions, so read on for our top four tips for international students!

1. Understand your legal status

If you’re in the UK on a student visa, you’re not permitted to become self-employed or set up your own company. But you can with a graduate visa – so many international students lay the groundwork while studying, then launch their startup upon graduation. You can also look into the innovator founder visa.

Research into student startups found that a quarter of all students run or plan to run their own business. Some 57% of such startups have at least one overseas student on their founding team.

One such enterprising graduate is Nanda from Malaysia, who set up a financial consultancy after graduating from UWE Bristol.

Nanda says: “I started doing research on various business opportunities while I was still in the UK. Studying in the UK definitely broadened my business sense and helped me to diversify my thoughts and ideas.”

2. Make the most of your university resources

UK universities are hotbeds of innovation, renowned for their cutting edge research, their focus on creative thinking and problem-solving, their links with industry, their world-class facilities, and for bringing together students from across the world to share entrepreneurial ideas.

Your university will offer dedicated business advice and support on matters such as funding opportunities, tax, data protection, employment law, company set-ups, intellectual property and much more.

Hadeel, from the Middle East, founded an assistive technology company after completing her computational arts postgraduate degree at Goldsmiths, University of London.

She told the THE Student Festival: “Goldsmiths supported me in learning the fundamentals of becoming an entrepreneur, like how to register your company, how to do your taxes, and how to create projections and use them to build a business model. I was also matched with a mentor, who gave me invaluable advice and guidance.”

Plus, there are more than 20 university enterprise zones (UEZ) across the country, bringing together researchers, entrepreneurs and local businesses to stimulate innovation and growth.

UWE Bristol’s UEZ, for example, offers facilities such as incubators and labs to innovators in the high-tech, robotics, digital and health-tech sectors.

Chirag from India previously worked in marketing and business development for a software company. After graduating from UWE Bristol, he set up his own e-commerce business.

“Undertaking the MBA degree from Bristol Business School supported me in a big way,” he says. “UWE provides a strong support system for budding entrepreneurs.

“During the MBA program, I participated in many entrepreneurial activities, for instance I was one of the co-founders of UWE′s enterprise club.”

3. Understand the market

Your studies, plus any industrial placements, will help you hone your expertise, understand the market – and spot any gaps!

Research in 2020 found that healthcare accounted for 15.68% of all student startups, followed by food tech and agriculture on 10.45% and media on 6.59%.

Startup trends in 2024 listed by the Founders Network include AI, climate tech, fintech and mental wellness.

But who knows what 2025 and beyond will bring!

4. Learn from successful entrepreneurs

We’ve asked a few international graduates of UK universities what advice they would give to today’s enterprising students. They all agree: setting up your own business is hard work, but for the right person, it’s worth it!

Nanda advises current students: “Business opportunities are aplenty in Malaysia and England. Make use of your time in the UK and learn and synergise ideas. Most importantly you must be fuelled by passion and determination.”

Meanwhile, Darshan from India set up an e-commerce company selling Gujarati snack food. He says: “If you want to start up with e-commerce, do lots and lots of research before setting up the business. If you have a concept, and you think it is going to work, put pen and paper and get started no matter what the world says. It′s tough at the beginning but once you have a grip you will succeed!

“Believe in what you do and always do things with sincerity and 100% dedication!”

Still not sure whether to take the leap? We’ll leave the last word to Ching from Malaysia, who set up an internet startup. He says: “Just do it – you never try, you never know. Even if we fail, we′ve got light years ahead to make amends!”

Register with Gradlink today

Many would-be entrepreneurs get industry experience before launching their own companies – and employers are always keen to recruit graduates with an enterprising spirit. Register with Gradlink today for access to our database of global employers, jobs and free careers advice.