Overseas student numbers continue to rise

New figures released by UCAS have shown that the UK remains a popular destination for international students.

The number of students from outside the EU who want to come to the UK to study in 2012/13 has risen by 9.6% year on year according to UCAS. There have also been increases in the number of Chinese and Indian students applying for courses at British universities and colleges.

Immigration Minister Mark Harper said: ‘The increase in non-EEA university student applications is further proof that the UK remains open to the brightest and the best international students.

‘In particular, numbers from India and China have seen big increases. This shows that, despite stories to the contrary, students continue to want to come to the UK to study at our world class universities.

‘We have tackled abuse of the student route head on — without affecting genuine students. By protecting the reputation of the British education system we will be able to compete in a global race.’

The government has made sweeping reforms to the student immigration system to crack down on visa abuse but continues to encourage the brightest and the best to apply.

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