The UK saw a significant decline in sponsored study visa applications, with 350,700 logged from January to September 2024. This represents a 16% drop compared to the same period in 2023, according to new figures released by the Home Office on October 10.
This decrease follows a recent policy change that restricts most international students from bringing dependents into the UK, allowing only postgraduate or government-sponsored students to do so. The Home Office reported that there were only 17,800 applications from dependents during this period, an astonishing 85% decrease from the previous year.
The new rule was implemented by the Conservative government under Rishi Sunak and has raised concerns within the international education sector about the potential elimination of the Graduate Route. However, new Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has assured that international students are welcome in the UK, which has sparked hope for improved relations between the government and educational institutions.
Despite this positive messaging, university representatives have expressed that more needs to be done to attract international students. Charley Robinson, head of mobility policy at Universities UK International, stated that while the confirmation of the Graduate Route’s continuation is reassuring, the recruitment environment remains challenging.
Diana Beech, chief executive of London Higher, emphasized that the decline in visa applications is alarming for UK universities, especially given ongoing financial pressures. She noted that while there has been some recovery, numbers are still down, putting the UK’s status as a leading study destination at risk. Beech called for continued collaboration between the government and universities to ensure sustainable growth in international student numbers.
In summary, while there are signs of a more welcoming approach towards international students from the new administration, significant challenges remain that need to be addressed to revitalize interest in studying in the UK.
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