CAS Issuances Across UK Universities Rise by 8%: Data Reveals Positive Turn

The latest Enroly data shows that CAS issuances across UK universities have risen by 8% year-on-year, signalling renewed momentum in UK international student recruitment ahead of the 2025–26 academic cycle. This increase highlights growing student confidence in the UK’s higher education sector despite recent UK student visa CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) policy changes and global competition from other study destinations.

Strong Recovery in UK International Student Recruitment 2025

According to the report, over half of UK universities recorded higher issuance volumes of Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), the official document required for international students to apply for a UK student visa. The upward trend reflects a recovery from the slowdown observed in 2023–24, when institutions faced uncertainties due to visa policy shifts and post-study work route debates.

Data from Enroly indicates a broader rebound in UK international education, with:

• 8% overall rise in CAS issuances compared to last year.
  
  
• 18% increase in deposits and acceptances from overseas applicants.
  
  
• Nearly 50% of CAS letters were issued before August, suggesting universities are moving towards data-led and early recruitment strategies.

Experts note that this earlier issuance pattern helps universities streamline compliance with UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) while allowing students to better prepare for travel, accommodation, and documentation ahead of their course start.

Regional Trends: West Africa Leads the Surge

The growth is not uniform across all markets. According to the UK universities data 2025, West Africa recorded the strongest year-on-year rise, with nearly a 70.03% increase in CAS issuances. This surge aligns with broader trends of rising mobility from Nigeria and Ghana, which have become the top source countries for postgraduate entrants.

Other regions like North America and East Africa also posted gains of 11.82% and 7.74%, respectively. However, traditional strongholds such as East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East reported modest declines, largely due to affordability pressures, currency fluctuations, and expanding education options closer to home.

In terms of academic level, postgraduate research enrolments grew the most, up 132.53%, while postgraduate taught programmes increased by 18.90%. Undergraduate enrolments, though smaller in scale, rose 5.56%, marking consistent growth across levels.

Why CAS Issuances UK Are Rising in 2025

Education analysts attribute the UK CAS growth to several key factors:

• Streamlined visa processes and stronger digital systems that reduce administrative delays.
  
  
• Earlier admissions timelines, which allow international students to apply for their UK student visa months in advance.
  
  
• Adoption of AI-driven enrolment tools, helping universities predict demand and optimise compliance.
  
  
• Growing global recognition of UK degrees, especially in STEM, business, and healthcare fields.

Katie Layt of Enroly described 2025 as a “turning point” for the sector, noting that “universities are using smarter data insights to issue CAS earlier, improving both student experience and compliance outcomes.”

Implications for Students and Universities

For Students

The rise in CAS issuances across UK universities means greater opportunity, but it also underscores the importance of acting early. International students planning to study in the UK in 2025 should finalise their offers, documentation, and visa applications well before deadlines. Regions with slower growth, like Southeast Asia, may face increased competition for limited spots at top universities.

For Universities

The data highlights a shift in focus from volume to strategic, compliance-focused growth. Institutions are prioritising the quality of international enrolments, ensuring that CAS issuance trends align with genuine intent and progression outcomes.

Universities are also diversifying recruitment markets, targeting new regions to offset reliance on traditional countries like India and China. This approach not only stabilises intakes but also strengthens the UK’s position as a global education hub.

The Bigger Picture: UK Higher Education Trends

The UK higher education sector in 2025 is navigating complex dynamics, from changing visa rules to debates over the Graduate Route. Yet, the 8% CAS issuance increase demonstrates resilience and adaptability within the sector.

While the UK immigration policy continues to evolve, universities are successfully balancing compliance with inclusivity. Early issuance and improved student communication are now seen as crucial competitive advantages in attracting and retaining top global talent.

Outlook for 2026 and Beyond

As the next academic cycle approaches, experts predict that UK international student recruitment will continue to grow, especially among postgraduate programmes. The combination of data-driven enrolment, visa process efficiency, and strong international brand reputation positions the UK favourably against competitors like the U.S. and Australia.

Institutions that continue to issue CAS early, diversify student sources, and enhance visa support are likely to see sustained growth in 2026.

In the words of one UK higher education analyst:

“The message is clear — the UK remains open for international students. But the winners will be those universities that plan smarter, act earlier, and recruit more responsibly.”