§ Mr. Spenceasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many United States citizens she estimates are currently studying in United Kingdom universities, polytechnics and other institutions of further education; what is the total cost to the British taxpayer of 244W these students; and what is the average payment in respect of each student at each type of educational institution.
§ Mr. St. John-StevasIt is estimated that the numbers of United States citizens studying in United Kingdom institutions were:
Academic years 1970–71 1971–72 Universities 2,492 2,600 Further education: Advanced 73 124 Non-advanced (excluding evening institutions) 186 193 Colleges of education 17 — It is not possible to assess the total cost of these particular students. In the financial year 1970–71, the average costs per student to public funds for all students in education institutions in England and Wales were as follows:
Current expenditure excluding maintenance grants. £ University 1,124 Advanced further education 799 Colleges of education (excluding residential accommodation 482 For non-advanced further education the cost figure was £349, but this average includes costs of students at evening institutes.
United States students, like other overseas students, are charged higher fees than home students, and the average costs to the taxpayer quoted above might, therefore, in their case, be reduced. Reliable figures are difficult to arrive at, but the reduction might be of the order of £150-£180 for universities and advanced further education. United States students in colleges of education are charged the full economic cost of tuition. For non-advanced further education students the overseas fee is £150. The fees for home students vary widely but are generally substantially less than £150.