Universities face clearing crunch amid fall in international student numbers
The government has published its monthly visa data which shows that Sponsored study visa applications were down 3% in the year to July 2025, when compared to July 2024. However, it is notable that in the period January to July 2025 that applications increased from 156,800 to 177,800, indicating a potential recovery ahead of the crucial August 2025 numbers.
Additionally, A-Level results published today by UCAS revealed a record 255,130 students have been accepted into university or college, up 4.7% on 2024.
Lisa Randall, partner and National Head of Higher Education at RSM UK, comments: “The latest annual fall in visa applications further signals the ongoing financial pressure across the higher education sector, with a number of institutions mitigating the risk of insolvency by consolidating courses and staffing resource. Cost-of-living pressures are also influencing students’ choices, with more opting to stay at home, as well as prioritising part-time work to meet the basic standard of living. Ahead of the new academic year, we’ve therefore seen some universities offer students financial incentives including grants, discounted accommodation and free technology to encourage enrolment.
“Russell Group universities have also adapted their recruitment strategies by lowering entry requirements for certain courses, to secure income streams and reduce the impact of fewer international students. However, this is having a domino effect on post-1992 universities, which traditionally have attracted local students. Falling visa applications and this shift in approach could leave some universities in a financially vulnerable position. As such, we expect to see more universities scaling back on specialist programmes, merging departments and consolidating resource to stay afloat. In addition, UCAS has warned that the record number of offers made this year could mean there are slightly fewer courses available in clearing today.”
She added: “While the squeeze on clearing options may lead to growing disparities in sector resilience and narrow educational pathways for students, universities must rethink their recruitment strategies and adopt clearing as a tool for changing perceptions on higher education and engaging with regional markets. With declining international student numbers, higher education providers must use clearing to attract domestic students who might not have otherwise pursued university, by showcasing the quality of teaching, financial support and career prospects available.”