LONDON, UK/LEIPZIG, Germany: Universities in the UK are reported to exploit a government policy that keeps British applicants out, while leaving no restrictions in terms of international applicants. According to newest figures released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency in London, the number of domestic higher education (HE) students enrolling at UK universities has stalled lately, while that of students coming to study from overseas has continued to rise.

After the US, Britain is currently the second most popular choice of destination for HE students. More than one university student in seven is from outside Britain, and those from outside the EU bring in 8 to 10 per cent of the total income of British universities, paying almost £1.9 billion in tuition fees last year.

The government has refused to fund enough places in order to accept extra applicants from the UK, even though the statistics are dampening hopes of reaching the target of 50 per cent of 18- to 30-year-olds with a university education by 2010. Even after clearance, some 20,000 to 40,000 are expected to be left with no place at all this autumn.

Currently, there are 8,500 students enrolled in UK dental schools, of which 750 are from outside the EU.