UK Visa Clearance Data: December 2025

Key Highlights 

• UK-sponsored study visa clearances in December ‘25 for main applicants declined by -16.76%, as compared to Dec ‘24.
• October, November, and December ‘25 main applicant issuances decline may impact January 2026 intake and booking occupancy. 
• Overall, student visas for main applicants increased by +4.51% in Jan-Dec 2025 vs last year.
• Dependent visa clearances reduced by -27.27% YoY in Dec ‘25, with a decrease of -4.42% for Jan-Dec ‘25, compared to YTD Dec ‘24.

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As we enter 2026, the UK Home Office has published its latest visa clearance data for December 2025. Amid policy changes and the ever-evolving education landscape, this latest analysis by amber tracks the updated trends in the UK-sponsored study visa clearance for 2025.

UK Sponsored Study Visa Clearances: December ‘25

UK study sponsored visas for main applicants in December 2025 showed a downward trend of -16.76% for main applicants as compared to December ‘24, with a dip from 35,200 to 29,300, marking the sharpest dip of the year.

In 2025, strong growth was recorded in February (+75.68%), March (+64.58%), April (+54.17%), and May (+19.35%). Following the last uptick in September (+10.42%), there was a decline in October (-6.74%), November (-13.74%), and now December (-16.76%).

With the last three months of 2025 showing downward movement, the late-cycle slowdown may influence January intake momentum and, subsequently, January booking occupancy levels, making these months critical watchpoints for PBSA operators.

Study Visa Main Applicants - MoM data (‘23 v. ‘24 v. ‘25)

Overall, for 2025, student visas for main applicants increased by +4.51%, with cumulative clearances of 426,300 in YTD December 2025, as compared to 407,900 clearances YTD December 2024.

UK Dependent Visa Clearance: YTD Dec ‘25

Dependent visa clearances for December 2025 decreased by -27.27%, with 1,600 clearances, compared to 2,200 in December 2024.

Year-on-year, there has been a decrease of -4.42% with 21,600 dependent visas YTD December 2025, as compared to 22,600 YTD December ‘24.

Wrapping It Up

Overall, the 2025 cycle exhibited strong YoY growth, supported by strong surges in early-year volumes. Despite softer numbers in October, November, and December, UK study visa demand showed stability, with students securing places earlier in the cycle. However, the late-cycle dip may affect January intake momentum and booking occupancy, making these months important indicators for operators to monitor.

Amber will continue tracking these developments through upcoming cycles to provide institutions and PBSA stakeholders with timely, data-driven insights.

For detailed city-level insights and customised recommendations, contact supply-operations@amberstudent.com or list your property with amber for maximum visibility.