Warnings of economic damage to UK as international student numbers fall by a third

University leaders accuse ministers of wanting to diminish our success' as figures show a plunge in visas issued to overseas students

Immigration restrictions imposed on international students threaten to damage the UK economy, according to university leaders, with the number enrolling from overseas falling by a third.

Universities UK (UUK), which represents mainstream universities and colleges, said the government's new curbs, coupled with steep visa fee increases and threats to cut back on graduate work entitlements, are having a negative impact on the UK as a study destination.