The UK witnessed a significant increase in sponsored study visas in 2023, nearly doubling from pre-pandemic levels. Indian nationals led the surge, with a fivefold increase since 2019. The graduate route, introduced in 2021, facilitated post-study work opportunities, especially for Indian students.
The UK has seen a significant uptick in sponsored study visas. For the year ending September 2023, there were 486,107 sponsored visas issued, marking a notable increase from the pre-pandemic levels of 2019. This surge of 86 percent illustrates a robust recovery from the pandemic-induced decline observed in 2020 when the number of visas granted was at its lowest since the data series began.
Image Source: GOV.UK
Demographic shifts in visa applicants
A notable aspect of this increase is the changing composition of the applicants. Indian nationals represented a significant portion, receiving 133,237 visas, which is nearly five times higher than their numbers in 2019 and constituting over one-quarter of all grants in 2023. Meanwhile, Chinese nationals, the second-largest group, saw a 7 percent decrease in visa grants compared to the previous year. Pakistani nationals saw the largest percentage increase among the top five nationalities, indicating a broadening of the applicant pool.
Image Source: GOV.UK
Student retention and the graduate route
Despite the high numbers, most international students do not remain in the UK indefinitely. Only a small fraction of students, less than 10 percent since 2007, transition to indefinite leave to remain after ten years. However, the introduction of the graduate route in July 2021 has provided a pathway for students to work or seek employment post-graduation, with 104,501 extensions granted in 2023 alone, predominantly to Indian nationals.
Rise in dependent visas
Aligned with the surge in main applicants, there was a substantial increase in dependent visas, comprising nearly a quarter of all study-related visas in 2023. This growth, particularly among Indian and Nigerian nationals, suggests a shift towards more students coming for higher education, who are typically older and more likely to have families.
Image Source: GOV.UK
Educational sectors attracting students
The surge in study-related immigration is closely tied to the growth of the higher education sector. In 2023, over 90 percent of the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies used for visa applications were for university institutions, more than double the number since 2019. This trend underscores the dominant appeal of the UK’s higher education system in attracting international students.
Image Source: GOV.UK
The year ending September 2023 marks a significant period in the UK’s immigration landscape for education. The data reveals not only a recovery post-pandemic but also a shift in the demographics of students and their families coming to the UK for educational purposes. With the introduction of new routes like the Graduate route, the UK continues to be an attractive destination for international students.
