NEW DELHI: There has been a 63 per cent increase in Indian student visas to UK as per the latest immigration statistics published on Thursday.

According to a media release issued by the

, New Delhi, the latest

show that over 30,000 Indian students received a Tier 4 (study) visa for the year ending September 2019 - up from almost 19,000 the previous year. India is second only to China, which also recorded a 21% increase from that of last year.

The commission termed it as remarkable as the rise year-on-year is almost four times as fast as the global rate. In the last decade, more than 2,70,000 Indian students have benefited from education in the UK, which is also home to thee of the world's top 10 universities.

The latest statistics also indicate that UK remains a popular destination for Indian holiday-makers. More than 5,12,000 Indian nationals received visit visas - a 9% increase compared to the previous year.

Overall, it is estimated that more than 1 in 5 of all

go to Indian nationals and 90% of Indian applications are successful. This is higher than the global average. Indian nationals also accounted for nearly 51% of all Tier 2 visas granted globally - with over 56,000 Indians receiving

in the reporting period.

High commissioner to India, Dominic Asquith, said: "Once again the statistics show that more Indians are choosing to study at the UK's world-class educational institutions. This is now the third consecutive year in which the numbers have increased. It is important to us, because these young leaders of tomorrow will reinforce the living bridge that connects India and the UK."

"We are delighted to see, year on year, more Indian students choosing the UK education system. UK education institutions equally benefit from the diversity of talent and culture that Indian students bring to campuses. The positive growth in student visa statistics, along with the great collaboration between the Indian and UK higher education sectors, ensures that education continues to be key in the relationship between our two countries," Barbara Wickham, director India,

, said.