Written question asked by Lord Chan (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Adonis (Labour) on Monday, 13 June 2005.

Overseas Students

Question: How many foreign students were studying in colleges of higher education and universities in the United Kingdom in 2003–04; and what subjects they studied.

Answer: The latest figures are shown in the table. Students from overseas( 1 ) at UK higher education institutions 2003–04 Postgraduate Undergraduate Medicine and dentistry 3,310 3,175 Subjects allied to medicine 4,560 10,255 Biological sciences 5,220 5,920 Veterinary science 170 290 Agriculture and related subjects 1,025 705 Physical sciences 4,685 2,895 Mathematical sciences 1,835 2,465 Computer science 9,375 10,750 Engineering and technology 15,830 17,020 Architecture, building and planning 3,510 3,630 Social studies 12,260 10,880 Law 6,560 6,250 Business and administrative studies 32,985 30,960 Mass communications and documentation 2,555 2,705 Languages 5,495 11,565 Historical and philosophical studies 3,625 2,955 Creative arts and design 4,580 10,095 Education 8,510 2,675 Combined courses 90 3,325 Total 126,170 138,500 Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Figures have been rounded to the nearest five. 1 Covers students from the EU and other overseas countries.

Secondary information