The UK economy may have lost out on billions of pounds in export earnings from international students due to immigration rule changes made in 2012, according to research by UUK, which also recently called for a new student visa.

Gyimah said he "welcomes UUK post-study work visa proposal", and that the forthcoming MAC report "offers us an opportunity to ensure our policy on student migration recognises the contribution that overseas students make".

Any blow to the UK’s ability to attract top academic talent could potentially have “huge” consequences, a CGHE research paper warned.

Finland is implementing an EU directive which will double the length of its residence permits for students and researchers from outside the EU, in a bid to encourage them to work in the country.

Australia has overhauled its temporary worker visa system and will pilot a new scheme to attract international talent, a move welcomed by the sector.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has proposed a new post-study work visa for international students to attract talent with "fewer barriers and less red tape".

UUKi director Vivienne Stern, said post-study work pathways, along with better marketing, will be the key to the UK HE sector making a success of Brexit. Two events in the same week focused attention on how the sector can help itself.

English UK welcomed education agents from across Europe to Scotland on its recent spring inward mission, soon after Scotland's External Affairs Minister spoke out in favour of plans to re-introduce the two-year Post-Study Work visa should Scotland gain independence. Six Scottish centres were showcased to the visiting agencies.