Visa Applications from International Students to the UK Decline This Summer.
New statistics reveal a significant drop in the number of international students applying for visas to study in the UK this summer.
According to figures from the Home Office, there were 16% fewer visa applications between July and September compared to the same period last year.
Additionally, applications for visas from family members of students plummeted by 89%. This sharp decline follows a change in regulations that took effect in January.
These numbers raise concerns about the financial stability of UK universities, many of which rely heavily on fees from international students.
The Home Office reported that 263,400 sponsored study visa applications were submitted from July to September, down from 312,500 during the same summer in 2023. In the same timeframe, only 6,700 applications were made by dependants of foreign students, a drastic decrease from 59,900 the previous year.
Since January, new rules have prohibited international students from bringing family members to live with them in the UK, except for those enrolled in research-based courses or on government-funded scholarships. This policy was implemented by the government under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, which aimed to reduce immigration numbers.
Concerns About University Finances
Many in the education sector are worried that the decline in international student numbers will negatively impact university finances in the UK.
Universities UK, which represents 140 institutions, stated that the data highlights the ongoing challenges in student recruitment and that “the UK’s position as a top study destination is under threat.”
Nick Hillman, director of the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi), expressed concerns, stating that the statistics confirm fears that the previous government’s changes have made the UK less appealing to international students.
Jo Grady, general secretary of the University and College Union (UCU), recently urged the government to provide financial support for universities facing economic difficulties. She called on the new Labour government to “lift Tory visa restrictions as a first step towards stabilizing our universities and rebuilding Britain.”
A spokesperson for the Home Office emphasized that the government “values the contribution legal migration makes to our country, but it must be controlled and delivered through a fair system.”
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