Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what steps his Department is taking to promote opportunities for study and work in the UK to highly-skilled migrants with qualifications in STEM subjects.

We extend a warm welcome to international students in all subjects, and there is no cap on the number that can come here. The UK remains the second most popular destination for international students.

Through the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Visa we are also providing opportunities for highly talented scientists to work in the UK and contribute to our economy. In the year to September 2015, there were 108 Tier 1 (exceptional talent) visas granted.

Government scholarships play an important role in promoting study in the UK. In 2015-16 we tripled the number of awards for Chevening scholars, and we will bring over 5,500 scholars to the UK over the next four years.