Nearly 30 pct int'l students less likely to study in UK after Brexit

Nearly 30 percent of international students are less likely to study in the United Kingdom after the country's referendum vote to leave the European Union, according to a survey published by The Independent on Friday.

The London-based college and careers service provider Hobsons interviewed 1014 people, 30 percent of which said they feel the country is "less welcoming" and thus are less likely to study here, while 6 percent said they would definitely not choose to study in Britain after Brexit.

Among the interviewees, 32 percent said they would choose Canada as an alternative study destinations, 21 percent chose Germany and 20 percent preferred to study in America and Australia.

When asked what British universities could do to ease international students' anxiety, some said lower costs while some emphasized easier admission and a more welcoming society.

According to the UK Council for International Students Affairs, there were around 436,585 students from outside Britain studying in the country in 2014-2015, among which Chinese students were the largest group.

Twenty-six percent of income reported by English institutions came from non-EU students.

Voices from British higher educational institutions have warned that universities need to make it clear that Britain welcomes foreign students and researchers and would give long-term guarantees on international collaboration despite the uncertainty of Brexit.

On the day the Brexit vote came in, more than 100 non-UK EU students withdrew their application from Aberystwyth University in Welsh, the BBC reported. Endi