There are about 275,000 overseas students in UK universities

A third of research postgraduate students in the UK are now from overseas - and the survey sought to measure their experiences.

The survey, produced by a range of UK higher education organisations, claims that 91% of undergraduates students were satisfied with their courses.

But there were concerns over visa fees and the high cost of living.

There are about 275,000 overseas students currently in the UK - representing an important source of revenue for universities. Fees from non-European Union students are worth 7% of the UK's higher education budget.

�10bn revenue

The total contribution to the UK economy from overseas students has been estimated at more than �10bn per year.

International competition for this revenue is growing - and this customer satisfaction survey has been trying gauge students' attitudes towards their host country.

While a large majority had a positive view of their academic work, there were complaints about getting into the UK - and negative comments about the immigration process.

The introduction of visa fees of up to �250 had caused particular resentment, reported the survey, published by UKCOSA: the Council for International Education, Universities UK, the British Council and SCOP (the Standing Conference of Principals).

The report says that only 2.9% of students have their visa extension applications refused.

Overseas students are able to work while they are in the UK - and the report shows that over half of overseas students had been in employment here.

Students from outside the EU were more likely to have been working, even though the report says that they were more likely to face difficulties with red-tape when they tried to get jobs.