Nearly two in five sixth formers are actively considering studying a first degree abroad, new data suggests. 

However, although 37 per cent of pupils apparently view an overseas university as a serious option, the research also suggests that uncertainty over the impact of Brexit could have a detrimental effect. 

Almost a quarter (23 per cent) of the students questioned said that Brexit is making them less likely to consider studying overseas.

Unifrog - a website to help pupils select courses - interviewed 1,519 sixth-formers online between 1 September and 20 December 2018. 

Separate research studies from the British Council found that in 2017, 18 per cent of pupils were considering studying abroad and that in 2015, 35 per cent were. 

Today is the Ucas deadline for students applying for the majority of undergraduate courses starting in September.

According to the Unifrog data, the biggest concerns about international study are living costs and tuition fees (39 per cent), leaving family and friends (30 per cent) and a lack of confidence in language skills (15 per cent).

Fifty-six per cent said they would be more likely to consider studying overseas if they could get easier access to funding.

The top countries where students would like to study are the USA, Canada, Australia and France.

Daniel Keller, head of business development and delivery at Unifrog said: “While some international student loans are still available for UK students in the EU, for example in the Netherlands, they are not offered by the British government.

“However, with Brexit looming large, it’s understandable that a significant minority of sixth-formers now have doubts about whether they should opt to become an international student.

“Beyond the EU, many universities will often expect international students to pay higher fees than home students but many have scholarships and bursaries, specifically for international students, which can be applied for.”

According to data published by the Council of British International Schools earlier this month, this year pupils studying overseas in British international schools are less likely to choose to study in UK universities compared to last year.