"Supporting high-quality international education is a crucial part of ensuring that the UK continues to engage with, and benefit from, the increasingly interconnected world," she added.

Under Britain's current Tier 4 student visa regime, students face tougher questions about their destination, limits on their ability to work and tighter rules on their English-language capability.

Critics of the rules, including business secretary Vince Cable, have warned that they would discourage international students who are worth as much as 3 billion pounds a year to UK universities.

A spokesperson for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills said, "International students make a huge contribution - boosting our economy and enhancing our cultural life. That is why there is no cap on the number of legitimate students who can study here. By working with other countries we will continue to attract international students and promote the UK's expertise in education".

However, Nicola Dandridge, chief executive of Universities UK, said the government needs to do more to attract qualified international students to the UK.

"This should be supported by a welcoming climate for genuine international students, with visa and immigration rules that are proportionate and properly communicated," she said.
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