UK Universities See Further Drop in International Students as Visa Demand Slows

UK universities are facing mounting pressure as international student numbers in the UK continue to decline, with new data confirming a second consecutive fall in international postgraduate enrolments. The downturn in 2025 UK postgraduate international enrolment is raising serious concerns about university funding, long-term recruitment strategy, and the overall stability of the UK higher education sector.

Second Consecutive Drop in International Postgraduate Students

A survey conducted by the British Universities International Liaison Association (BUILA) reveals that 61% of 69 responding universities reported a fall in international postgraduate starters in September 2025, compared with the previous year. Overall enrolments were down by 6% year on year, following a far steeper 20% decline in 2024.

This sustained decline suggests that the fall in overseas students in UK universities is no longer a short-term fluctuation but part of a broader UK university enrolment trend in 2025, with long-lasting implications for institutional planning and finances.

Sharp Decline in Chinese and Indian Students in the UK

The most significant impact has been felt in the UK’s largest international recruitment markets:

1. Chinese students in UK universities
   

• 80% of institutions reported a fall
• Average decline of 17%

2. Indian students enrolling in UK postgraduate courses
   

• 63% of universities recorded lower numbers
• Average decline of 9%

The decline in Chinese students in UK universities and the continued fall in Indian student enrolment in the UK are particularly concerning, as these groups have historically driven growth in postgraduate admissions and international fee income.

Growing Interest from the US and EU Offers Limited Relief

Despite the overall downturn, some universities reported increased international student recruitment from alternative markets:

1. US students studying in the UK
   

• 71% of universities saw an increase in applications
• Average increase of 19%
  
  

2. EU postgraduate applications to UK universities
   

• 50% of institutions reported growth
• Average rise of 13%

While these trends point to diversification, universities note that rising interest from the US and EU is not sufficient to offset losses from Asia, particularly in terms of volume and tuition revenue.

UK Student Visa Applications Hit Four-Year Low

The enrolment decline is closely linked to falling UK student visa applications. According to Home Office student visa data, there were just 11,300 study visa applications in November 2025, the lowest November figure in four years.

This compares with:

• 13,000 applications in November 2024
• 24,700 applications in November 2022

Although UK study visa applications showed signs of recovery in early 2025, the momentum has weakened since mid-year. Over the 12-month period from December 2024 to November 2025, total applications stood at 432,200, indicating that the recovery in international student migration to the UK may be levelling off.

Impact of Visa Policies and the International Student Levy

The impact of visa policies on UK universities has become increasingly evident. Changes to immigration rules in 2024 significantly reduced demand, and concerns are growing that the proposed international student levy in the UK could further deter applicants.

International students play a crucial role in cross-subsidising university funding in the UK, helping institutions sustain research, staffing, and teaching quality. The continued decline in international students in the UK has therefore become a major contributor to the UK higher education financial crisis.

Andrew Bird, Chair of BUILA, highlighted the uncertainty facing the sector, noting that universities are struggling to plan amid ongoing policy changes and recruitment volatility.

What This Means for UK Higher Education

The sustained fall in international postgraduate students in the UK risks reshaping the sector. Universities may face:

• Increased financial deficits
• Course closures and staff reductions
• Reduced global competitiveness
• Lower research output and collaboration

As global competition for international students intensifies, the UK’s ability to attract overseas talent will depend heavily on stable immigration policies, competitive post-study work options, and a clear long-term vision for international education policy in the UK.