Drop in UK Student Visa Applications: What You Need to Know for 2024

There has been a noticeable drop in applications for international student visas, especially between July and September of this year, according to recent UK immigration news 2024 reports. The UK is making changes to its laws regarding student visas and dependents, as seen by the 16% decline in applications.

Study in UK: International Student Applications Drop by 16%

Comparing this year to the previous, fewer overseas students are applying to study in the UK by 16%. According to Home Office data, there were 35,700 sponsored study visa applications from January to September 2024—a 49,000 decrease from the same time in 2023. The peak period for visa applications in 2024, from July to September, is when the reduction is most visible.

UK Student Visa Rule Affecting Dependent Applications

Dependent visa applications have been greatly influenced by new regulations that were implemented in 2024 and prohibit international students from bringing dependents, with the exception of research students or those who are recipients of government grants. Only 17,800 applications from dependents were submitted this year, compared to 85% in 2023.

The Data Trends in UK Immigration News 2024

With a record 78,500 international students, the UK continues to be a preferred choice despite the decline in applications. In 2024, the environment for overseas students will be different due to these modifications to UK student visa regulations. The decrease in applications is a result of stricter immigration laws, but the UK is still a popular place to study.

Anyone wishing to study in the UK must be aware of these tendencies.

The Decrease in Sponsored Study Visas

The UK government implemented stricter Visa rules in May 2025, resulting in the issuance of 432,500 townhouses.

Effects on Chinese and Indian Students

Chinese and Indian students were awarded study permits in half of the cases. Despite a 23% decline in their numbers, 11,600 Indian nationals were granted visas, making up 25% of the total. In a similar vein, 17,230 Chinese students received visas, accounting for 25% of the total.

The Reduction in Visas Dependent on Students

There was a notable 39% decrease in the number of visas awarded to dependent students; 94,530 visas were issued. This decline is related to the new rule that, as of January 2024, will only let postgraduate students focusing on research bring their dependents to the UK.

The Stricter UK Visa Regulations

The UK’s tighter immigration regulations, which include greater financial upkeep requirements and more severe admission criteria, are directly responsible for the decline in both study and dependent visas. These steps are intended to stop the exploitation of the student visa pathway for immigration purposes instead of education.

The difficulties faced by international students and their families are highlighted by these measures, which also demonstrate the UK government’s commitment to limiting immigration while upholding the integrity of its educational system.

UK Government Increases UK Student Visa Duration for International Students

Significant modifications to the UK’s visa regulations for foreign students have been announced lately, extending their stay in the nation after they graduate. The UK government’s dedication to assisting international students and appreciating their contributions to the country is demonstrated by this action.

Extended Stay for PhD Graduates

International PhD students will now be permitted to remain in the UK for three years upon graduation, instead of the previous two, according to a recent decision made by UK Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson. This move is a component of the UK’s continuous attempts to draw in and keep outstanding talent from around the globe.

UK Government’s Commitment to International Students

Speaking at the Embassy Education Conference in London, Philipson stressed how much the UK appreciates the contributions that overseas students make to universities, communities, and the nation at large. She said that the new government places a high priority on these efforts. International students will still be able to work in the UK for two years following their studies through the Graduate Visa route; for PhD graduates, this period will be extended to three years.

Impact of New Visa Rules

Study Visa applications are declining, according to recent figures. During the first quarter of this year, there were 34,000 applications, compared to 46,900 during the same period in 2022. New government regulations that prohibit Masters students from bringing dependents are partially to blame for this reduction. Applications for Dependent Visas consequently decreased dramatically.

Additionally, overseas students’ ability to convert from a student visa to a work visa before graduation has been restricted by the UK government. Notwithstanding these limitations, international students will still be able to complete their studies and obtain useful work experience in the UK under the Graduate Route Work Visa program.

The UK’s determination to create a welcoming atmosphere for international students is demonstrated by its decision to extend the Post-Study Work Visa for PhD graduates. The United Kingdom seeks to preserve its status as a worldwide hub for education and retain talented talent by extending stay limits and preserving the Graduate Visa Route.