November 16 2007 - UK Economy Booted by Overseas Students GBP 8bn a Year

More than 25 per cent of immigrants to Britain are students, compared with 20 per cent five years ago. The education sector is expanding and UK institutions are proving increasingly popular, with demand being driven by strong performances in international league tables and a growing number of English speakers around the world.

The number of foreign students has doubled since 1998, when 77,000 arrived. Last year's total was an 18,000 increase on 2005. Each foreign student is estimated to be worth more than £15,000 to the UK in fees and living expenses. But there are fears that the income stream may slow as new rules on student visas come into force next year.

China is the largest source of foreign students studying in the UK with a 52,000 studying in the 2006 academic year. Business and Administration, engineering and technology were the most popular courses.

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