For the first time this year, the United Kingdom (UK) has seen a decline in international study visa applications, following new government restrictions on post-study work rights.
According to Home Office data, 27,900 applications for sponsored study visas were received in June—down 1.1% compared to the same period last year. This drop comes after the UK government announced in May that the Graduate Route visa would be shortened from two years to 18 months, sparking concern among students and education providers alike.
Earlier in 2025, applications had shown promising growth. From January to May, a total of 76,400 study visa applications were submitted—a 29% increase from the same period in 2024. May alone saw 18,500 applications, 19% higher than the previous year. However, the June data signals a shift in sentiment.
The government also reported a 28.8% drop in the number of dependent visa applications—only 7,900 dependents applied in the first half of 2025. This follows the UK’s decision to restrict master’s students from bringing family members, a rule that had previously applied only to undergraduates.
Lisa Randall, head of higher education at RSM UK, noted that the decline may also be linked to new study models like the Turing Scheme and offshore UK campuses. These alternatives allow students to earn UK degrees without relocating, reducing the need for visas.
In 2023-24, international students made up 23% of the UK’s higher education population, totaling 732,285, with India and China leading in enrolments. However, the latest figures indicate a 4% decrease from the previous academic year, raising questions about the UK’s continued appeal as a top study destination.
