A significant drop in international student enrollment is predicted in the UK, posing financial challenges for universities. Recent data shows a 35% decrease in deposits made by international students for UK university courses compared to last year. Stricter student visa rules, introduced by the UK government at the beginning of the year are believed to be the cause. The rules prevent international students from bringing family members to the UK, resulting in an 80% drop in student visa-dependent applications.
Government figures reveal a 6% decline in student visas issued to main applicants in the year ending March 2024, compared to the previous year. The number of study visas peaked at 498,626 in June 2023 but fell to 446,924 this year. Experts warn that universities will face financial difficulties, as international students are a significant source of income. “The number of dependants accompanying students to the UK has drastically fallen by almost 80 percent, with more than 26,000 fewer student visa applications made from January to March 2024 compared to the same period in 2023,” a press release by the Home Office reads.
Paul Kett, senior education and skills adviser at PwC UK, notes that the impact on individual institutions will vary, but some may need to take action to secure their financial sustainability. The newly appointed Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, acknowledges the importance of international students, stating that they are valued guests, not “political footballs.” She assures that international students who meet the criteria will be welcomed to UK universities. However, the decline in enrollment poses a challenge for universities and the sector must adapt to the changing landscape.
