Thirty seven per cent of respondents said they were considering study overseas, a 17 percentage point increase on the proportion in a similar poll last year.

Of those that were interesting in studying abroad, the vast majority were looking to take university-related courses, with the US the most popular destination.

Australia, France, Germany, Canada and Spain respectively were the next most preferred countries.

Nearly six in ten of those looking to study outside the UK said that high domestic tuition fees were one of the reasons behind their interest.

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In 2013, just 30 per cent said that high UK tuition fees prompted them to look abroad.

Jo Beall, the British Council¡¯s director of education and society, said in a statement that more UK youngsters needed to travel ¡°if we¡¯re to catch up with countries like France and Germany¡± in terms of outward mobility.

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¡°It is essential for the UK¡¯s global competiveness that our next generation gain more international skills and understanding, so it¡¯s very encouraging to see that more UK students are considering studying abroad,¡± she added.

david.matthews@tsleducation.com