UK universities are facing significant financial challenges due to a sharp decline in international student applications for the upcoming academic year. Home Office data shows a 40% drop in sponsored study visa applications compared to last year, with only 28,200 applications received in July 2024. Enroly, a service for managing university enrollments, reported a 41% decrease in deposits and acceptances by international students across 31 UK universities, particularly affecting postgraduate taught master’s courses (down 55%) and undergraduate numbers (down 23%). This decline is exacerbated by restrictions preventing students from bringing family members on student visas since January. With universities heavily reliant on international tuition fees and domestic fees frozen, experts warn of financial turmoil unless A-level results in August mitigate the anticipated losses.
UK Universities Face Growing Struggle to Recruit International Students
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