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International students needing more money to support their studies could boost UK universities based outside London, according to a new survey.

As part of applying for a UK visa, most international students must show they have access to enough money to support their studies for every month they will be in the country.

In January, these amounts increased from ?1,334 to ?1,483 per month for courses in London and from ?1,023 to ?1,136 per month outside the capital.

A conducted by NCUK University Pathways finds that this change would stop only 12 per cent of potential students from applying to universities in the country. More than two-fifths (42 per cent) say they will still apply to the UK but look at institutions outside London.

Other policy decisions made by the rest of the ¡°big four¡± study destinations appear to have had a greater impact, the survey finds.

A quarter (26 per cent) were put off Canada?as a result of its recent policy changes, especially its post-graduation work?reforms.?Thirty-eight per cent of students polled say Trump¡¯s presidency in the US will influence their application decisions.

The UK was the preferred choice among those polled, mirroring the results of a similar survey conducted last year, but interest in the US, Canada and Australia declined. ?

The proportion of students hoping to stay in their study destination for work or further study dropped slightly from 54 per cent to 50 per cent, with more planning to return to their home country (up from 18 per cent to 23 per cent).

¡°This research demonstrates that international students are sophisticated decision-makers who look beyond political headlines to focus on educational quality and career outcomes,¡± said Andy Howells, chief marketing officer at NCUK.

¡°While policy changes generate significant discussion in our sector, students are primarily motivated by the academic excellence and opportunities that institutions can provide.¡±

tom.williams@timeshighereducation.com