Latest news with #RuthArnold
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
13-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
UK student visa applications up 29% in 2025 despite stricter rules
The number of international students applying for study visas to the UK rose sharply in the first five months of 2025, according to new figures released by the UK Home Office, even as the government tightens post-study work rules. Between January and May 2025, 76,400 students applied for UK study visas — a 29% increase compared to the same period in 2024. In May alone, there were 18,500 study visa applications, up 19% from May last year. This is the first set of official data published since the government announced changes to the Graduate Route, cutting the post-study work period from two years to 18 months. The rise suggests the policy shift has not yet deterred applicants. 'The surge in applications suggests that fears of the impact of the immigration White Paper may have been avoided, mainly thanks to the preserved post-study work offer,' said Ruth Arnold, director of external affairs at Study Group, a global education provider. She also pointed to growing restrictions in competing destinations. 'More students are turning to the UK as a safer, more stable option,' she told Times Higher Education, a London-based publication covering global higher education trends. The White Paper, released last month, introduced a series of reforms that make it tougher for international students and their families to remain in the UK long-term. Key changes include: * The qualifying period for settlement has doubled from five years to ten * English language requirements now apply to more categories, including dependants * Improvement in English will be monitored during the visa period * Skills requirements have been raised to degree level for most work and study routes 'Skill requirements raised to degree level; English language requirements across all routes – including for dependents; the time it takes to acquire settled status extended from five years to 10; and enforcement tougher than ever because fair rules must be followed,' said Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a press briefing at Downing Street last month. This implies students will need to work harder to remain in the UK after graduation. 'The White Paper establishes whole new approaches to migration, be it for education, work, or family,' Mamta Shekhawat, founder of a student counselling platform told Business Standard. 'The pathway to permanent residency for students will become longer and more competitive, making it harder for graduates to remain in the UK unless they demonstrate exceptional value to the economy or society.' Sharp decline in dependent visas The rise in main applicant numbers contrasts with a drop in dependent visa applications. Since restrictions on dependants were introduced in January 2024, fewer family members have applied for UK visas. * In May 2025, 1,100 dependants submitted applications * This is down from 1,400 in May 2024 and 7,800 in May 2023 * Between January and May 2025, 6,300 dependent visas were filed * In the same period last year, the figure stood at 46,700 Meanwhile, Home Office data also shows that total study visa applications over the 12 months leading up to May 2025 from main applicants dropped by 9%.
Economic Times
13-06-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
UK study visa applications witnesses a sharp rise despite graduate route cuts
Synopsis Despite reduced post-study work benefits, UK study visa applications surged by 29% in the first five months of 2025, indicating continued appeal. While dependent visa restrictions impacted overall numbers, a perceived stability compared to other destinations like the US and Australia may contribute to the UK's attractiveness for international students. However, financial pressures on universities remain a concern. Demand for UK study visas has increased significantly this year, according to new data from the Home Office, even as the government rolls back post-study work benefits. In the first five months of 2025, 76,400 students applied for UK study visas, marking a 29% rise compared to the same period in 2024. ADVERTISEMENT As per a report by Times Higher Education, in May alone, 18,500 study visa applications were submitted—19% higher than in May last year. This is the first set of figures released since the UK government announced a cut to the Graduate Route, reducing the post-study work period from two years to 18 months. The data suggests that, so far, the change has not discouraged prospective international students. Ruth Arnold, director of external affairs at Study Group, told THE, 'The surge in applications suggests that fears of the impact of the immigration White Paper may have been avoided, mainly thanks to the preserved post-study work offer.' She also pointed to stricter visa rules in Australia, Canada, and the United States, saying, 'More students are turning to the UK as a safer, more stable option.' UK may ease family visa income rule after 'Tax on Love' criticism However, she noted that many students are applying to multiple destinations. 'There is no time for complacency,' Arnold added. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) The UK government introduced restrictions on dependent visas in January 2024. This appears to have affected application numbers from family members. In May 2025, 1,100 dependents applied for UK visas, compared to 1,400 in May 2024 and 7,800 in May 2023. So far this year, 6,300 dependent applications have been recorded, down from 46,700 during the same period last the 12 months to May 2025, total study visa applications from main applicants fell by 9%. RSM UK attributed this decline to the dependent visa restrictions. Louise Tweedie, partner and higher education specialist at RSM UK, told THE, 'Universities also continue to face financial pressures and structural changes, with several universities announcing cuts to programmes and departments in May, due to budget constraints.' ADVERTISEMENT Rachel Hewitt, chief executive of the MillionPlus group, commented that it's too early to judge the full impact of recent policy changes. However, she said, 'An unsettled picture in the US, coupled with a less combative attitude towards international students in Westminster could well have played a part.' Data from UniQuest, which works with UK universities on international enrolment, shows a 10% year-on-year increase in firm acceptances from international applicants. Still, it is unclear whether this rise is due to declining interest in the US. Jennifer Parsons, chief market and partnerships officer at UniQuest, said, 'Those students who have carefully considered what is best for their future are much more likely to convert than those who have made a rash decision. Institutions are also taking a robust and responsible approach to what's happening in the markets right now.' ADVERTISEMENT (Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2024 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online. NEXT STORY
