Rise in number of Chinese students at Scottish Universities

The Scotsman reports that the number of Chinese students at Scottish universities is soaring, according to new figures. 

Statistics released by the university admissions service Ucas yesterday showed a 73.2% leap in the number of Chinese students in the past year. In 2007, there were 314 students from China at Scottish institutions compared with 544 this year. In total, there was a 29.7% increase in the number of students from outwith the European Union from 2521 last year to 3270 this year.

Applicants from within the EU also rose substantially, by 11.3%, from 3298 to 3672. A spokesman for Universities Scotland, which represents principals, said: 'In the last seven years there has been an 85% growth in non-EU students studying in Scotland. 'Chinese students are the number one biggest group and the rate of growth of Chinese students is very noticeable.'