UK Remains Top Choice for Pathway Students Despite Tougher Visa Rules
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The United Kingdom continues to hold its position as the leading destination for international pathway students, despite a wave of immigration policy changes affecting overseas education.
A new survey conducted by NCUK, covering 921 students across 88 countries, revealed that 80% of pathway students still view the UK as their preferred destination. This comes even as the government moves to tighten rules on the Graduate Route, visa compliance, and student maintenance requirements.
Australia emerged as the second-most preferred choice with 4%, followed by Canada, the United States, New Zealand, and Ireland, each at 3%. Business and computer science were the most popular subject areas, attracting just under a third of respondents.
The survey highlighted that international students are prioritising education quality and long-term career opportunities over political uncertainty. Andy Howells, NCUK’s Chief Marketing Officer, said: “This research demonstrates that international students are sophisticated decision-makers who look beyond political headlines to focus on educational quality and career outcomes.”
Policy changes in the UK include reducing the Graduate Route from two years to 18 months and increasing financial maintenance requirements. Students in London must now show evidence of £1,483 per month, while those outside the capital require at least £1,136 per month. Universities also face stricter compliance rules, with penalties if more than 5% of visas are rejected.
Despite this, the UK remains resilient compared to competitors. In Australia, 36% of surveyed students said proposed enrolment caps would affect their decision, while 26% of prospective Canadian applicants cited new work permit rules as a deterrent. In the US, almost 40% of students said a second Donald Trump presidency would negatively impact their choice.
The report also revealed post-graduation trends, with half of students wishing to remain in their host country, where 31% planning to work and 19% aiming for further studies. However, 23% expressed a desire to return home immediately after completing their degree, up from 18% last year.
With education quality cited as the top driver by nearly 70% of respondents, the UK continues to stand out as a premier global education hub, even in the face of political headwinds.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
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