Drop in student visas signals changing landscape of UK higher education
The government has published its monthly visa data which shows that Sponsored study visa applications were down 7% in the year to June 2025, when compared to June 2024.
Lisa Randall, partner and National Head of Higher Education at RSM UK, comments: “As the new financial year looms for higher education, the continued decline in visa applications could reflect changing delivery models overseas and therefore reducing the need for UK visas to study overseas. In February, the government expanded its Turing Scheme to include overseas campuses of UK institutions, resulting in students having access to international placements through UK-affiliated campuses overseas, without needing to travel to the UK and reducing visa requirements.
“Similarly, many UK and international universities are partnering to deliver UK-accredited degrees via joint degree programmes, franchise models and offshore campuses, enabling students to achieve a UK degree without leaving their home country. This shift also coincides with ongoing portfolio reviews and cost-saving measures across the UK higher education landscape, to streamline operations and focus on high-demand courses. However, this may result in limited course options for prospective overseas students, as well as impacting the student experience if resources are scaled back. Geopolitical uncertainty also continues to impact student mobility, as the “unknown unknowns” and affordability concerns influence more cautious decision making.”
She added: “While transnational education models offer greater and flexibility, higher education providers need to maintain the quality and appeal that originally encouraged overseas students to study in the UK. Despite cost pressures, universities are expected to drive the UK’s pipeline of highly skilled workers, so it’s essential the upcoming Post-16 Education and Skills Paper outlines the role of universities to deliver lifelong learning and reskilling in line with the Industrial Strategy.”