STUDENTS from the EU and beyond bring at least £31.8 million across Warrington, according to the first national report of its kind.

The University of Chester has four campuses in Chester together with the University’s Warrington campus in Padgate.

However, the spending power of its 855 international students from more than 130 nationalities extends far wider research has shown.

Across the north west, international students are shown to generate £1.91 billion with public costs of hosting students including education, health and social security.

The new survey demonstrates that the benefits outweigh the costs of students ten times over and equate nationally to an additional £310 per UK resident.

The international students’ contribution is measured extensively in terms of factors, including tuition fees income, the impact of universities spending this on staff and goods and services. Students’ non-tuition fee expenditure such as accommodation, food, transport, books, childcare and entertainment is also measured.

The knock-on effects of these factors and the influence of spending by the students’ families and friends visiting the UK is also included in the calculation.

Jonathan Pritchard, head of the university’s international centre, said: “To the University of Chester, international students are an invaluable part of our community, on and outside campus.

“International students as individuals enrich the areas where they live and the student body, bringing cultural diversity and a greater understanding of the wider world.

“Their involvement with UK universities can enhance overseas investment, business and trade links and even indirectly aid diplomatic relationships.”