HC Deb 26 February 1986 vol 92 cc574-5W
Mr. Sheerman

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many students from (a) overseas and (b) the United States of America are currently studying in British universities and polytechnics (i) in total and (ii) by institutions; and what were the comparable figures for 1979, expressed in figures and as a percentage of all students.

Mr. Walden

I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Mr. Sheerman

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what percentage of British university undergraduate and postgraduate places are filled by students from (a) the United States of America and (b) overseas.

Mr. Walden

In December 1984 the percentages of undergraduates and postgraduates from the United States of America and from all overseas countries studying at British universities were:

Percentage of students from the USA all overseas countries
Postgraduates 2 36
Undergraduates 1 7

Sir Russell Johnston

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many students from the People's Republic of China are presently studying in the United Kingdom; under what auspices they are here; and how many there are in each basic field of study.

Mr. Walden

In 1984–85, the latest year for which figures are available, the numbers of students from the People's Republic of China studying at universities or public sector institutions in Great Britain were:

Numbers
Postgraduate students 341
University undergraduate level and first degree students in public sector institutions 43
Other public sector higher education students 6
Non-advanced further education students 20
Total 410

Figures for students in private institutions, for Northern Ireland, and for subject of study are not readily available.

About 95 per cent. of these students received support from schemes of assistance funded by the United Kingdom Government as follows:

Numbers
Technical Co-operation Training Programme 194
FCO Scholarships and Awards Scheme 34
Overseas Research Students Awards Scheme 133
Numbers
British Council Fellowships 28
Total 389

Further information on student's sponsorship or source of support is not available.