Indian students are being urged by David Cameron to study at UK universities ahead of his visit to the country.
The prime minister is set to fly to India next week to encourage prospective undergraduates to apply for places at Britain’s institutions.
Ministers have been criticised by university leaders and business groups for tightening the rules on post-study leave to remain in the UK, but Mr Cameron stated policies have not been communicated properly and there is “no limit” to the number of students able to study in the UK.
He told journalists there are already 40,000 Indian students in the country and said he hopes this number will increase, adding: “Now we need to take that message out to talented young people in India and say if you want to make that choice, Britain will be incredibly welcoming.”
Government figures released earlier in 2013 revealed the number of Indians at UK institutions fell by one-quarter last year to 30,000.
The prime minister said while Parliament has a duty to control immigration, Britain has a “great offer” to make to Indian students.