Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps the Government is taking to address trends in the market share of international students studying in the UK; and if he will make a statement.

The Government recognises the significant contribution that international students bring to the UK.

The UK remains a highly attractive destination for non-EU students, with their numbers remaining at record highs – over 170,000 non-EU entrants to UK HE institutions for the 6th year running. The UK’s success in attracting international students (EU and Non-EU) is reflected in its 10% share of the tertiary international student market in 2014, second only to the US according to the OECD.

The Government promotes study in the UK through the Britain is GREAT marketing campaign and through the British Council, which promotes UK education in over 100 countries, connecting millions of people with the United Kingdom. Government is also promoting UK international success through bilateral engagement on education with overseas partners and through the Chevening and Commonwealth scholarship schemes.