INTERNATIONAL students are shunning UK universities as a clampdown on immigration gives the impression Britain is hostile to foreigners, according to an Indian graduate who has carved out a "perfect" life in Scotland.

Maulin Buch said that a visa scheme which allowed him to remain and work in Britain had been a key factor in his decision to study a Masters at the University of Glasgow. He added that had the now scrapped initiative not been in place he would probably have chosen another country.

Mr Buch, a business development executive for a firm in Coatbridge, North Lanarskhire, told MSPs that he may be forced to "pack his bags" and leave as a result of forthcoming UK Government restrictions on visas.

It comes as Alan McKay, Director of the International Office at the University of Edinburgh, warned that Scottish universities and the country's economy are missing out on a worldwide boom in education caused by a burgeoning middle class in the developing world.

He said non-EU student numbers in competitor nations with more generous systems were sky-rocketing while the British intake remains flat.

There is a growing clamour for Scotland to be allowed to introduce its own post study scheme as a way of attracting more international students. Advocates say the move would boost the education sector, plug skills gaps in the workforce and lead to an increase in the £1 billion non-EU students currently spend country annually in fees and living costs.

Mr Buch said that the cost of a year's study in Scotland was the equivalent of a home on the outskirts of Mumbai meaning that prospective students researched visa rules extensively before choosing a country.

He said: "When I landed in Glasgow in 2010 I knew for a fact that after being at university I would get my post study work visa. That is a major, key point in choosing why I came here. I would have two years of stability and if I'm capable enough, skilled enough, I'll probably get a job.

"Many potential students contact me now and ask what the situation is. I try to give them a fair picture of what is happening now and what might happen in the future. What they tell me bothers them the most is the UK seems unwelcoming right now, and that for me is the most damaging.

"In order for UK universities to remain the best in the world they have to be open with the world. Right now I don't know how long that legacy will remain in the minds of students who want to come here and study."

After the post study work visa was scrapped in 2012 following claims the system was being abused, competitor countries have seen double digit growth in international student numbers while the figure in the UK is stagnating.

Under the replacement system, graduates have four months to find 'graduate level' employment paying at least £20,800, with proposals currently on the table that would see the threshold rise to £23,000 or £30,000 for experienced workers.

Mr Buch added: "It's almost impossible for a small or medium enterprise to meet the thresholds that are being recommended. My employer had to increase my wage to meet the threshold but fortunately they had enough faith in me to do that. Today, with the thresholds in place my employer can simply not afford to keep me on.

"What is going to happen is in spite of everything being perfect I will have to give it up and probably go back home. How damaging is that to an individual's future, career and at the same time an employer who is completely comfortable with one of their employees? It's not right."

Lucy Flynn, International Officer at South Lanarkshire College where non-EU student numbers have dropped from 150, said homegrown students were also suffering.

She told MSPs on Holyrood's devolution committee: "It's obviously a huge reduction in income. But I would stress it's not just about the money for a college such as ours. It's really important for our UK-based students, who may not otherwise have that opportunity, to work and study and socialise in a multicultural environment."