UK universities to transform recruitment strategies in 2025 amidst falling visa applications

The government has published its monthly visa data which shows that Sponsored study visa applications were down 14% this year, when compared to January-December 2023. 

Lisa Randall, partner and national head of higher education at RSM UK, comments: “The continued fall in visa applications reflects the ongoing funding challenges for UK universities following the policy change on dependents introduced at the start of 2024. This change has reduced the appeal of the UK for overseas students, meaning income loss and resource constraints will remain key challenges for the sector moving into 2025.

“The outlook for higher education this year will therefore be closely tied to consolidation, which alongside declining international student recruitment, is due to fewer undergraduate entrants and the impact of increased National Insurance contributions, which is expected to add £372m annually to universities’ staffing costs. 

“However, there are reasons for cautious optimism, as these ongoing financial pressures and changing demographics are encouraging universities to create more efficient and sustainable education systems which reflect the changing profile of higher education students. Working in partnership with local schools, colleges and academies, universities will shift their focus to offering accessible higher education routes for local students, which supports the Office for Students’ proposals to build a new national collaborative outreach programme.”

She added: “The change in approach will also encourage combining of resource, streamlining administration and developing stronger industry relationships which provide students with lifelong learning opportunities and career-ready skills aligned to the government’s growth-driving industries.”