Parsing out the regions, England, the largest market, took around £2.5 billion in non-EU fees – 35% of its total fee income.

Strikingly Scotland, the second largest, got nearly half of its total income (49.3%) from non EU students – around £300 million.

Wales meanwhile took £107 million (27.4% of its total fees) and Northern Ireland £12 million (9.7%). For the UK as a whole, China, India and Nigeria were the top three fee-generating source countries.

China, India and Nigeria were the top three fee-generating source countries

The figures show the sizeable contribution made by non-EU students to the UK higher education system at a time when the government is trying to curb student visa issuance.

A Universities UK spokesperson said: “It may be too early to tell what impact the changes to the visa system have had, but there are indications that interest in studying in the UK is still high. The latest UCAS figures shows that applications from non-EU students are up by 10.5%, but this only covers full-time undergraduates.”

However, they added, “At a time when the number of internationally mobile students is growing, it is critical we send out the message that the UK is still welcoming to students from across the world.”

Total UK HE fee income rose from £7.7 billion last year and £5.4 billion in 2006/7.

Scotland is keen to continue attracting high numbers of international students and announced an expansion of its Saltire scholarship scheme last month to enable Chinese, Indian, US and Canadian undergraduates as well as Masters students to apply for a UK£2,000 fee waiver.