The number of applications of foreign student visas to study in UK universities has drastically dropped.
According to Home Office figures, the amount of visa applications made last year between the months July and September were 16% higher. Another major drop this year is in the visa applications for family members, which is about 89%. This alarming situation has occurred due to a rule the former government introduced in January.
The UK Nations has researched that the UK universities are concerned about this decrease because of their financial aspect being at risk as many of them majorly rely on foreign student fees.
Also, the Home Office stated that the student applications were down as a whole between January and July, as compared to the same duration last year. The sudden increase in inflation has gradually destroyed the revenue, leading to enhancement in tuition fees amassed from foreign students.
As per another article published in August, 2024, some of the institutions are ready for a 50% fall in the number of, particularly, one-year postgraduate courses enrolment by international students.
The apparent reason for this significant student visa UK application drop is because of new regulations put forth in January, as illustrated before. The rule has prevented postgraduate students from bringing the family members, dependent on them, to the United Kingdom.
In order to analyse the full extent of any modification in 2024, the major changes in visa application number in autumn is crucial. This was stated by the Home Office.
The government of Rishi Sunak was committed to lowering the immigration numbers. However, the director of the Higher Education Policy Institute said that these changes are making the UK a less desirable study destination.
For the establishment of universities, it is imperative to lift the Tory visa restrictions. This was said by the general secretary of the University and College Union.
