§ 51. Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will make a statement of her policy 175W on the admission and financing of overseas students in British universities and polytechnics.
§ Mr. OakesPresent policy remains as set out in Circular 1/77 and 8/77, copies of which have been placed in the Library, and in similar guidance which has been given to universities by the University Grants Committee. The tuition fees paid by overseas students, though somewhat higher than those charged to home students, represent a fraction of the real cost of their courses. The number of overseas students in institutions of higher and further education in this country has increased very rapidly in recent years; and in the interests of containing public expenditure and working within limited educational resources it is recommended that the total number admitted in the year 1978–79 should not exceed the level in 1975–76. This policy is being kept under review.