12 December 2024
The government has published its monthly visa data which shows that Sponsored study visa applications were down 16% this year, when compared to January-November 2023.
Lisa Randall, partner and national head of higher education at RSM UK, comments: “The latest data shows a continued downward trend, largely attributed to the policy change on dependents which was introduced at the start of 2024, which has clearly reduced the appeal of the UK as a destination for international education. The continued fall in visa applications has and will continue to impact funding and resources at a number of universities, when we know sustainability is a real-time challenge for many.
“Income loss therefore remains a significant challenge for the sector, with the changing profile of students making it harder to position investment in sustainable and long-term growth. Less international students will continue to impact how higher education institutions model their traditional delivery to offer the next demographic more choice and ownership towards their learning and career development. Whilst the tuition fee increase from August 2025 enhances sector finances, financial modelling by institutions demonstrates that the increase to National Insurance and the potential for other escalating costs in commodities means that universities will have to prioritise their business transformation to tackle the issue of a declining student market.”
She added: “This shift in approach will become even more important as government realises its ambitions of devolved infrastructure planning to local authorities, which will involve education. Given the changing profile of home and international students, universities may consider focusing on outreach in local communities and encourage students, of all backgrounds, to pursue academic options on their doorstep.”

