Studying abroad is a potential boost for students' future success and bank balances

Responding to the report, UCU said English students who look abroad for a university education could also save a considerable amount of money.
 
The report, commissioned by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and the British Council, found that, although, increasing numbers of UK students have studied abroad in recent years the UK has low rates of participation in foreign study. Recent estimates suggest that 33,000 UK students are studying abroad, but 370,000 foreign students are studying in the UK.
 
UCU said it would not be surprised if more domestic students considered studying abroad as the UK was about to be hit with a triple whammy of increased competition for UK places, the highest fees for public degrees in the world and damaging cuts to university funding leading to genuine fears of a decrease in quality.
 
UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'We have much to be proud of when it comes to higher education. We are recognised as a leader both in research and teaching and continue to punch considerably above our weight.
 
'However, pressure on university places, plans for damaging funding cuts and cheaper degrees elsewhere in the world mean that our brightest brains will consider studying abroad for financial reasons as well as a potential boost to their future chance of success.'
 
For more information on the cost of degrees around the world, visit: England set to be world's most expensive country for university education