The government has published its monthly visa data which shows that Sponsored study visa applications were up 2% for the year ending August 2025, when compared to August 2024. It is notable that in the period January to August 2025 that applications jumped 7% from 278,700 last year to 297,900, indicating progress but it’s still 11% down on 2023 applications.

Lisa Randall, partner and National Head of Higher Education at RSM UK, comments: “Visa reforms continue to impact applications – but there are signs of a slow recovery in numbers in a crucial month ahead of the new academic year. This will be a boost to UK universities where the fiscal landscape remains challenging.

“The perfect storm of fewer international students, increased competition across UK universities and the cost-of-living influencing student choices, is leading to recruitment strategies changing, particularly with the Russell Group universities, to protect or boost income streams.

“The UCAS statistics, as of 28 August 2025, shows that overall the sector has had the highest number of accepted applicants for a decade. Delving into the data by tariff shows that the lower tariff institutions have the lowest number of accepted applicants for a decade and the higher tariff institutions have the highest number of accepted applicants for a decade. This polarisation of consumer choice by tariff means that the distribution of international students will make a big difference as to how and where the consolidations of courses and possibly institutions will land.

“The market and financial pressures may well lead to further consolidation in courses, staffing and in some cases operations.  The sector will watch with interest on the collaboration of the University of Kent and University of Greenwich, creating a “super university”.

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