A university has just signed a lucrative deal to bring 2,000 international students to the UK as institutions prepare to battle for the brightest students.
Bath Spa University currently has a mere 196 overseas students but the new agreement with student recruitment agencies in the US will see the campus flooded with Latin America, Asia and Middle Eastern students over the next four years.
The university says the scheme is designed to help the institution expand and "invest in the future". International students are worth billions to the UK's economy, and have been described as "cash cows" for universities.
Bath Spa University's Newton Park campus
Professor Christina Slade, vice-chancellor at the university said: "We are investing in the future and expanding our vision of creative, engaged academic communities. Our partnership will help us to achieve that by providing a pathway for international students to our degree courses and enriching the culture of student life at Bath Spa."
Last week business secretary Vince Cable unveiled a new strategy which will see the number of international students rise by 20% over the next five years.
The university's director of international relations Jeremy White added: "The UK has a great reputation for providing world-class higher education, and this partnership will enable more students from around the world to achieve a UK degree, as well as helping the University to grow, and invest in the future.
"Additionally, we anticipate it will provide an economic boost for the local community here in Bath, from job creation to additional spending in the city centre."