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Business courses at Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ Leicester (Æß²ÊÖ±²¥) are among the most popular in the UK when it comes to Chinese students choosing where to study.

A report by university admissions organisation UCAS, called ‘Global Insights: What are the experiences of Chinese students in the UK?’ ranked Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ business courses fourth in a survey which reviewed where Chinese students study and the subjects they choose when coming to the UK.

The Hugh Aston Building is home to the Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ Faculty of Business and Law

The report also found that nine out of 10 Chinese students would recommend the UK as a study destination.

And while business was by far the most popular subject among Chinese international students, the creative arts and design subjects have more than doubled in popularity over the last 10 years.

The report, in association with Pearsons, found that reputation (62%), quality of education (60%), and cultural experiences (46%) were the main reasons why students from China chose to study in the UK.

Rui-Ni Li is a final year Business Administration (Finance) student at Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ and comes from Shanghai.

She said: “I think the biggest reason for this popularity is that Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ is very well known in China and it’s business courses are considered to be very important. Business Administration and Accounting are among the hottest subjects.

“Leicester is a nice and safe city to live in and Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ is right on the edge of the city centre- which is really convenient. If I had the opportunity in the future, I would love to live here.

“I would definitely recommend Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ to others. In fact som e of my friends in China have asked me about Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ and I have told them it is the best for my subject and they should definitely come here – especially if they want to gain good grades.”

ZhaoGuang Zhang, who is from Beijing, said: “I have come to Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ because in my home town my teacher told me about Æß²ÊÖ±²¥, that I could get good grades and it would help me get into a post-graduate school.

“I think Leicester is great and the people are very kind. There are a lot of places to visit and I can find whatever I need in the city. One of the attractions is that everything is close by.

“I have recommended Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ to my friends. I have told them that if they can come here they definitely should.”

The Hugh Aston overlooks the historic Magazine building in Leicester

Gordon Boyes, Head of Progression and Pathways in Æß²ÊÖ±²¥’s International team, said: “Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ has been welcoming Chinese students to Leicester, and working with university partners in China, for over twenty-five years.

“The diligence which Chinese students show towards their studies and the positive contribution they make to student life on campus is a real example to everyone. Leicester, as a city, has benefitted massively from hosting so many Chinese students.

“The annual Chinese New Year celebrations, led by our Confucius Institute and supported by student volunteers, has really added another layer to the multicultural environment of Leicester.”

Sander Kristel, UCAS Chief Executive (Interim), said: “I’m delighted that our new report offers UCAS’ first global insight focused on the experience of Chinese undergraduate students in the UK.

“Our findings show that students from China hold our universities and colleges in high regard with the majority viewing the UK as a positive, or very positive, place to study due to its world-class reputation and quality of education.”

According to a Hatch Regeneris economic impact report, Leicestershire’s economy receives an annual boost of £100m from international students at the University of Leicester, Loughborough University and Æß²ÊÖ±²¥.

The positive impact of more than 14,000 overseas students living, studying, spending, and working in the region, also supports 1,200 full-time jobs in the wider region.