Immigration trends in the United Kingdom have shown a notable shift, with the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealing a decline in overall migration numbers. One of the primary reasons behind this decrease is the fall in student visa applications, which had previously facilitated easier settlement opportunities in the UK. Policy changes regarding post-study work opportunities have led to a decline in trust in post-graduation pathways for international students.
Between June 2023 and June 2024, the UK saw 1.2 million immigrants, with the majority — 86% — being non-EU nationals. Around 10% of the migrants were from EU countries, while 5% were British returnees. Indian nationals emerged as the largest group applying for student visas, with 142,848 visas issued by June 2023, marking a 54% increase from the previous year. However, changes in immigration policy under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in January 2024 have significantly altered this trend.
The government's introduction of new restrictions on dependent visas and stricter rules for switching to work visas during studies has resulted in a marked decline in the number of international students coming to the UK. The number of student visas issued dropped by 19% year-on-year, falling to 392,969 between October 2023 and September 2024. Meanwhile, dependent visas plummeted by 69%, with only 46,961 issued during the same period.
In terms of non-EU migration, India continued to lead, with 240,000 immigrants, followed by Nigeria with 120,000, Pakistan with 101,000, China with 78,000, and Zimbabwe with 36,000. The majority of non-EU nationals migrated for work (417,000), study (375,000), or asylum (84,000).
The decline in student numbers has had a significant impact on UK universities, with platforms like Enroly, which aids in international student admissions, reporting a 30% decline in key metrics for January 2024. These included a drop in deposit payments, Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) issuance, and visa applications. Similarly, UCAS, the organization managing university applications, reported a 3% drop in enrollments, along with a 32.55% decrease in CAS issuance for Indian students.
As these policy changes reshape the academic and immigration landscape, the UK’s international education sector is facing an uncertain future, with universities and institutions grappling with reduced student numbers and continuously evolving immigration regulations. The new immigration rules, aimed at controlling overall immigration numbers, have significantly affected the international student recruitment pipeline, leaving many uncertain about the long-term effects on the UK's higher education system.
