October 25th, 2024 at 05:19 am
UK Study Visa Applications Drop by 16% Due to New Dependents Rule
Applications for UK study visas have significantly decreased in 2024, mostly as a result of new regulations that prohibit foreign students from bringing dependents. Due to budgetary strains and a difficult hiring environment, UK colleges are becoming concerned about this policy shift.
The Decline in UK Student Visa Applications
315,700 applications for UK student visas were received between January and September 2024, a 16% drop from 2023. The new regulation restricting the number of dependents of UK students is the main cause of this decline.
UK Dependents Rule’s Effect on Foreign Students
Applications from dependents fell by 85% after the Home Office decided to restrict dependents to postgraduate and government-sponsored students only. Only 17,800 dependent applications were submitted in 2024, down from a significantly greater number the year before. Many international students have rethought their plans to study in the UK as a direct result of this move.
Concerns in the UK Higher Education Sector
Stakeholders at the university are worried about the wider effects of recruiting international students. Although the government has guaranteed the industry that the Graduate Route will continue, analysts are concerned that unfavorable measures like the prohibitions on dependents of UK students will harm the country’s standing as a top destination for international education.
To guarantee long-term stability and increase the number of international students, university officials, such as Charlie Robinson from the University’s UK International, emphasize the necessity of cooperation between universities and the government.
Applications for UK study visas in 2024 have been greatly impacted by the country’s tougher regulations regarding student dependents. The education sector is nevertheless wary of the long-term effects of these changes, despite the government’s assurances that international students are still welcome.
In the upcoming years, cooperation and aggressive measures are required to assist in the recruitment of international students and the financial stability of universities.
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.
Follow us on Newsnowgh.com to stay updated on the latest information regarding work permits, visa application processes, paths to permanent residency, and visa-sponsored employment.