Visa applications tick up as universities look to seek closer international ties to mitigate risk
The government has published its monthly visa data which shows that Sponsored study visa applications were up by 2% for the year ending January 2026, compared to January 2025. However, applications remain 12% lower than the year ending January 2024.
Lisa Randall, partner and National Head of Higher Education at RSM UK, comments: “Visa applications continue to tick up on a monthly basis, with a small boost to UK universities driven by January 2026 enrolments. However, we are still way behind level seen before visa restrictions on dependents came into effect.
“Many higher education institutions are looking to work closer within countries to help enhance employment opportunities, develop research collaborations and better support international student outcomes. At a time when many institutions are facing liquidity challenge, this collaborative approach will help to mitigate the ongoing risk of lower international student intake and the fiscal shortfall that this brings.”