The government has published its monthly visa data which shows that Sponsored study visa applications were 16% lower for the year ending August 2026, when compared to August 2025. This is a reduction of 20,800 applications which, if converted into registrations, represents a potential income loss of around £416m per annum for the sector.

Applications from dependants of students were down 22% in the same period and were 88% lower compared to the year ending December 2023, before new rules preventing most students from bringing dependents came into effect.

Louise Tweedie, Partner and Higher Education specialist at RSM UK, comments: “Today’s data highlights the impact of visa reforms on international student applications, with the seasonal peak ahead of the new academic year failing to reach previous levels. It is a concerning blow for UK universities already facing a challenging fiscal landscape and reinforces the need for institutions to move away from a reliance on income from international students for long-term financial strategy and sustainability. This could drive further consolidation in courses, staffing and operations in the long term.

“Unfortunately, UK universities face a challenging road ahead, with a projected decline in the number of 18–30-year-olds after 2030 impacting future demand. Today’s data makes it clear that higher education institutions cannot rely on international students to make up the numbers, reinforcing the imperative to review and remodel resourcing and delivery strategies to ensure long-term viability.”

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