The number of non-European foreign students studying at UK universities has almost doubled in less than ten years, research has found.
International students provided a bigger source of income for UK universities in 2007/08 than government grants for research, according to an annual trends report, published by Universities UK.
Students from outside the EU pay more for courses at UK universities than their European counterparts.
The report shows that one in ten enrolments in 2007/08, some 229,640 students were from outside the EU. This is compared to 117,290 students in 1998/99, an increase of 96%.
In total, £1.88 billion of UK universities income came from non-EU students in 2007/08, compared to £1.76 billion from government research grants.
China provides the most students to UK universities, with 19,385 enrolments for first degrees, and 21,990 enrolments for all post-graduate degrees.
The Patterns of Higher Education Institutions in the UK report also reveals a 3.7% drop in the number of part-time undergraduate students between 2006/07 and 2007/08.
It says: “This may be a cause for concern, as part-time study plays an increasingly important role in meeting the higher level skills agenda and to lifelong learning.
“Amongst the various factors that explain this decline may be the different systems for student support now available to full-time and part-time students.”
Professor Geoffrey Crossick, chair of Universities UK’s Longer Term Strategy Group, said: “This year’s Patterns highlights the success of UK universities in challenging their counterparts in Europe, particularly in research and development and in attracting international students.”
Where is Oscar Wilde when we need him? “Lies, more lies and statistics”.
Perhaps, the financial requirements to secure a student visa might be a relevant factor.
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I enjoyed this! Well done!
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