Australia set to attract more overseas students than the UK

The UK has long been a favoured destination for overseas students, especially those from Hong Kong and mainland China. But according to research from University College London, Australia is overtaking the UK as the world's second biggest destination for international students. The UK is being pushed into third place behind the United States and Australia.

Australia has been rapidly expanding its international student numbers. The British Council says it shows the UK needs to "look again" at its policies towards overseas students.

Universities in the UK have warned that immigration rules after Brexit will need to be more welcoming for students.

The lead researcher warns that Canada is also catching up in taking a growing slice of the lucrative overseas student market.

Three years ago the UK was recruiting around 130,000 more overseas students than Australia but successive years of Australia having steady increases in overseas student numbers have seen it catch up and overtake the UK, which has been growing much more slowly.

Australia has been marketing itself as an English-speaking country with high-performing universities, with an attractive climate and a welcoming culture for overseas students.

This year's Best Student Cities rankings put Melbourne and Sydney in the top 10 - although London was the highest ranked of all.

Australia has succeeded in attracting students from outside Europe, particularly from China.

The research from UCL warns that the UK's future intake of international students will depend on keeping its appeal for European students.

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