Non-EU students studying at UK universities have almost doubled in numbers over the last decade, a new report shows.

229,640 students came from non-EU countries in 2007/08, whereas 10 years ago there were 117,290 studying for their degree in Great Britain.

“The report demonstrates how the diversity of the UK higher education sector has increased over the last 10 years, giving students from a wide range of backgrounds the opportunity to study at and beyond first degree level,” said Professor Geoffrey Crossick, the author of the report.

UK universities can charge non-EU students significantly higher tuition fees than home students. Suha Jafri, the International Students Officer for the University of Manchester Students’ Union, said: “The cost for me to go to the University of Manchester as a Pakistani national is £10,500, just on tuition. That is around one million Rupees for one year.”

These international fees accounted for a higher proportion of Universities income in 2007/08 than government research grants; £1.88 billion compared to £1.76 billion.

The Patterns of Higher Education Institutions in the UK report found that China is the “most significant provider” of students to UK universities, with nearly 20,000 starting an undergraduate degree this year. The University of Manchester accepted 850 Chinese International students to undergraduate courses in 2008 alone.

Source: Student Direct
http://www.student-direct.co.uk/2009/10/international-student-numbers-double/