§ Huw Irranca-DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps are being taken by his Department to assist the higher education sector in attracting students from the United Arab Emirates. [168570]
§ Alan JohnsonMy Department leads and funds the Prime Minister's Initiative (PMI) to attract more international students to the UK, including those from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A vigorous world wide marketing campaign under the Education UK Brand promotes the credentials of UK education and training, and supports the work of the higher education sector in attracting international students who might not otherwise study in the UK. We have also taken a number of steps to make the UK a more attractive study destination for international students by—streamlining entry and visa arrangements; offering opportunities to work while studying; and providing specific information and advice about living and studying in the UK for the first time. The number of UAE students in UK higher education has increased from 777 in 1996–97 to 1,306 in 2002–03, an increase of 68 per cent.