HC Deb 25 February 2003 vol 400 c428W
Mr. Laws

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many overseas students were awarded FCO scholarships in each of the last five years; what their country of origin was; what the total cost was of the scheme for each year; and if he will make a statement. [98437]

Mr. MacShane

In 1998–99 2,196 overseas students were awarded FCO scholarships, at a cost of £39 million. In 1999–2000 2,300 scholarships were awarded at a cost of £40 million. In 2000–01 2,470 scholarships were awarded at a cost of £45 million. In 2001–02 2,510 scholarships were awarded at a cost of –46 million. In 2002–03 we expect to award 2,574 scholarships at a cost of –47 million.

These figures include scholars studying in the UK under the Chevening programme, the Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships Plan, the Marshall scholarships and Atlantic Fellowships. The cost includes contributions from the FCO, other Whitehall Departments and devolved Administrations, the private sector, and the higher education institutions.

The scholars came from more than 150 countries, territories and regions. I will write to the hon. Member, with further information.

Mr. Laws

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his Department's policy toward awarding scholarships to overseas students. [98438]

Mr. MacShane

The FCO scholarships programme consists of Chevening scholarships, a contribution to the Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships Plan, and Marshall scholarships and Atlantic Fellowships for US citizens. The FCO believes it is in the UK's interest to attract top graduates and young professionals from overseas to study in this country. These individuals will go on to be tomorrow's leaders, opinion formers and decision makers in their own countries.

The FCO is working with other Whitehall Departments and the Devolved Administrations, the private sector, and UK Higher Education Institutions to increase the number of Chevening scholarships as part of the Prime Minister's Initiative to increase the number of overseas students studying in the UK.