UK Student Visa Applications Drop for First Time in 2025

For the first time in 2025, the United Kingdom has seen a monthly decline in international student visa applications, raising concerns across the higher education sector.

According to data reported by Research Professional News, the number of visa applications submitted for study purposes in June 2025 was lower compared to the same month last year. This marks the first such drop after several months of strong growth.

Policy Shifts Likely Behind the Dip

The decline follows a series of immigration policy changes introduced by the UK government earlier this year. These include:

• Stricter eligibility criteria for student visas,
• Reduced benefits under the Graduate Route, and
• Tighter scrutiny of post-study work intentions.

These measures, aimed at reducing net migration, appear to be having an impact on international student interest—particularly from non-EU countries such as India, Nigeria, and Bangladesh.

Universities Voice Concern

University leaders and international education experts have expressed concern that the decline could signal the beginning of a longer-term slowdown.

“International students contribute not just to university finances, but to local economies and academic diversity,” said a spokesperson from Universities UK. “A sustained fall in numbers would be felt across the entire sector.”

Despite the June drop, student visa applications for the first half of 2025 remain higher overall than in the same period in 2024, with reports citing a nearly 30% increase in total applications between January and May.

Looking Ahead

While the June figures may represent a short-term correction, education analysts warn that more restrictive policies could damage the UK’s global appeal if continued.

Several universities have already begun revising their international recruitment strategies and lobbying for clearer, student-friendly visa policies in future immigration reviews.