INTERNATIONAL students graduate with significantly lower grade degrees compared with their UK and EU counterparts – despite paying more in tuition fees.

Home and EU students were twice as likely to score first class degrees at the University of Brighton this year compared with their international campus friends. Half of UK and EU students came away with 2:1 degrees – the most common mark – with only 35% of the international students securing the same degree.

The figures, released under the Freedom of Information Act, show the percentage of degree classifications per type of student – either UK/EU or international.

The former pay tuition fees of £9,000 a year at the university.

The latter pay more, with classroom-based courses starting from £11,220 and laboratory and workshop-based courses from £13,220. However, the fees can rise much higher with medicine, for example, charged at £26,100 a year.

The figures reveal that in 2014, 17% of UK and EU students graduated with first class degrees – compared with only 8% of international students.

The trend is similar with 2:1 degrees, with 50% and 35%.

When it gets to the lower end of the degree classifications, international students come out on top in terms of percentage with 37% gaining a 2:2 and 10% getting a third class degree.

In comparison, 23% of domestic and EU students graduated with a 2:2 and only 2% with a third.

A University of Brighton spokesman said: “Being awarded a degree is a huge achievement and we are proud of our students’ successes.

“All face challenges along the way and international students may find that working and living in a new country can sometimes add to these challenges.

“To address these issues, our University of Brighton International College provides university preparation for international students and the University of Brighton Language Insti-tute offers a comprehensive range of academic English language preparation courses for students.

“We are committed to providing the best possible support and services to all of our students.”

Maggie Garabedyan, vice-president of academic affairs at University of Brighton Students’ Union, said that students of all backgrounds deserve “outstanding educational and social opportunities”.

However, she added that to measure degree classification in absolute terms “misses the point”.

She said: “When we consider that students come from many different backgrounds [more than 150 countries], cultures and educational experiences, often with varying levels of language abilities, it would be unreasonable to expect that they all reach the same end point.

“At the end of the day, coming to university is about the experience and the transformative journey for our students, not just about the final degree classification.

“Of course, being an international student and travelling overseas for one’s education is never going to be easy. That challenge and experience is part of the point of doing it.”