London, Nov 16: The flood of overseas students who land in the UK regularly, boost the economy of the country by almost 8.5bn pounds a year, it has been revealed.

According to official figures, a record 157,000 international students took up places in British universities and colleges last year.

The Home Office has revealed that more than 25 per cent of immigrants to Britain are students, compared with 20 per cent five years ago

It also explained the severe competition that has developed between vice-chancellors to sell places on their courses to foreigners.

Each foreign student is estimated to be worth more than 15,000 pounds to the UK in fees and living expenses.

However, there are concerns that the income flow may slow as new rules on student visas come into force next year.

China is undoubtedly the largest source of foreign students studying at British universities, with more than 52,000 people coming to study in the UK in 2005-06. Indian students comprise the second-largest group with almost 16,000 students, ahead of the US, with 14,000.

Business and administration is the most popular subject among students from abroad, followed by engineering and technology.

University College London emerged as the largest recruiter of overseas students, with nearly 27,000 on its books, but the London School of Economics topped the list of universities dominated by overseas undergraduates and postgraduates, with 64 per cent coming from abroad.

A spokesman for Universities UK hailed the growing number of students and academics opting to work and study in Britain.

"International students and academics also provide an immeasurable academic, cultural, and social benefit to the UK generally, ” the Independent quoted him, as saying.

"It is therefore vital for our universities and the economy that the UK continues to offer a truly welcoming and supportive environment for international students and academics, ” he added. (ANI)