More than 12,000 students from China are due to arrive this autumn — a 23 per cent increase from 9,860 last year.

Surging applications from China are driving a record number of international students heading for UK universities this autumn.

Ucas figures show that the growth in overseas student numbers has more than compensated for a drop in EU students. However, experts warned that, amid coronavirus-related uncertainty, some students might not take up their places and the next few weeks would be crucial in determining how many enrol.

Overall, a record 71,370 overseas students secured places at UK universities — 1,200 more than last year. Their tuition fees will contribute millions of pounds to the UK economy.

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