§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many Chinese students were refused(a) short stay summer visas and (b) higher education visas in 2004–05. [187951]
§ Mr. MullinApplicants for short courses of study in the UK apply in the visitor category and it is not possible to separate them out from other visit visa applications without incurring disproportionate costs. 1449W Students applying for courses in higher education are not recorded separately from other student applications and again to do so would incur disproportionate costs.
However, I am able to provide the following figures, which relate to all student entry clearance applications submitted in China so far this financial year (1 April to 8 September):
Applications Number Percentage Received 21,776 — Issued 14,624 67 Refused 6,790 31 These figures do not add up exactly as applications may be received at the end of the period under review but issued or refused in the next.