Put off? No, record 71,000 foreign students come to UK universities

A RECORD number of international students were admitted to British universities this year – despite fears of them being deterred by immigration policies.

Figures from admissions body Ucas show the number of students from abroad rose by 2 per cent to the highest ever total of 70,945.

Broken down, there was a 5 per cent increase in students from countries outside the EU, bringing them to a total of 40,245. Students from EU countries decreased by 2 per cent to 30,700 – 650 fewer than last year.

Ucas said that while there was a slight drop in EU students, the huge increase in those from non-EU countries more than made up for it.

The figures appeared to confound fears that tough talk from the Prime Minister on immigration may be putting some international students off applying to UK institutions. Earlier this year, the Conservative manifesto also promised tougher visa requirements for overseas students.

Universities have previously warned of a fall in students from India – one of the biggest consumers of UK higher education – because they felt they were not welcome.

But today’s data suggests that despite the gloomy forecasts, the UK appears to be more popular than ever for studying.

Sarah Stevens, head of policy at the Russell Group, a coalition of the country’s most elite universities, said: ‘It is a very positive message that so many talented students from across the globe continue to want to study here, attracted by the world- class teaching that our universities provide.’

But she added: ‘If it turns out that the fall in [EU] places this year is due to the continuing uncertainty posed by Brexit, it reinforces our call for the Government to provide greater clarity.’

Alan Smithers, professor of education at the University of Buckingham, added: ‘With more overseas students than ever entering our universities this year, it looks as though the fears about tougher immigration rules putting them off are unfounded.

‘EU students are down somewhat and may have been unsettled by Brexit. But overall the figures underline our universities’ excellent reputation around the world.’

Non-EU students are highly sought-after by universities because they pay much higher fees than UK and EU students.

While home fees are capped at £9,250, the average annual fee for international undergraduates is £13,000. Figures show that 50,000 foreign students a year stay in the UK after completing courses.