Study Abroad: UK Student Visa Applications Decline in Q1 2024
The number of students applying for visas to study in the United Kingdom has significantly decreased following the implementation of the country's new immigration policies in January 2024, according to data from the UK Home Office.
Study Abroad: UK Student Visa Applications Decline in Q1 2024
UK Study Visa Applications Drop Due to Immigration Policy Changes
The number of students applying for visas to study in the United Kingdom has significantly decreased following the implementation of the country's new immigration policies in January 2024, according to data from the UK Home Office. The applications for 'sponsored study' visas decreased by 14.79%, while dependent visa applications plummeted by 79.63% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period the previous year.
Decrease in Visa Applications
In the first quarter of 2023 (January to March), there were 39,900 applications for 'sponsored study' visas and 32,900 for dependent visas. In contrast, during the same period in 2024, there were 34,000 and 6,700 applications, respectively. By April, there was a decrease of 12% and 79% in main and dependent visa applications, respectively.
Impact of New Regulations
Starting January 2024, the new regulations prohibit international undergraduate and postgraduate students from bringing their dependents, except those pursuing PG research degrees. This change particularly affects Indian students, who are the second-largest group to be granted dependent visas. Over 43,000 Indians were issued dependent UK visas in connection with 'sponsored study' visas.
Rejection Rates and Master's Programs
A total of 8,770 applications were rejected from India in the first quarter of 2024. The number of Indians pursuing a UK master’s degree dropped by 21,800 in the year ending March 2024.
Study Visa Numbers
From March 2023 to 2024, 116,455 Indians received sponsored study visas, a decrease of 21,717 from the previous year. Most Indian students opt for UK master's programs, and their numbers declined accordingly.
Key Changes in Visa Rules
The UK Migration Advisory Committee's 'rapid review' of the graduate route visa highlighted the declining figures. Indians are the largest beneficiaries of this policy. The review found no evidence of policy abuse.
Further Assessment
The UK Home Office will continue to monitor visa application volumes, which are impacted by various factors, including recent policy changes. Quarterly immigration system statistics will be available on the UK Home Office website. Assessment of the full effect of policy changes will be conducted during the peak student application period, typically in August/September.
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