New report shows 35% decline in international student enrolment
Experts are warning that universities could face significant financial challenges as a result of a predicted decline in international student enrolment.
Recent data suggests there has been a 35% decrease in deposits made by international students for places at UK universities this year compared to last August, according to the financial advisory firm PwC UK.
“The impact on individual institutions will be highly variable depending on their relative attractiveness and which markets they are predominantly focused on. It’s likely some will need to take further significant action to secure their financial sustainability,” said Paul Kett, a senior education and skills adviser at PwC UK.
The decline in international students comes after the UK government announced stricter student visa rules at the start of this year.
The new rules prevent international students from bringing family members with them, with exceptions for postgraduate research courses and government-funded scholarships.
26,000 fewer student visa application
Government figures show that student visa-dependent applications have dropped by 80% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
“The number of dependants accompanying students to the UK has drastically fallen by almost 80 percent, with more than 26,000 fewer student visa applications made from January to March 2024 compared to the same period in 2023,” the Home Office said in a press release.
The latest Home Office data confirms that in the year ending March 2024, the number of student visas issued to main applicants declined by 6% compared to the previous year, and 10% from the historical peak in June 2023.
International students treated as ‘political footballs’
The newly appointed Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, acknowledged the issue, saying the UK will welcome international students to its universities.
However, she was critical of how past governments had treated international students, describing them as “political footballs, not valued guests.”
Experts warn that the drop in international student enrolment could have significant financial implications for UK universities, as international students make up an important proportion of their income.
With the sector already facing financial challenges, the potential decline in this revenue stream could exacerbate the problems.
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