UK Business Schools See Promising Turnaround in Overseas Student Intake
2 Min Read
The landscape for UK business schools is showing welcome signs of improvement in international student enrolment, according to the latest annual membership survey by the Chartered Association of Business Schools (Chartered ABS). While the sector has faced persistent headwinds, notably from changes to the UK’s immigration policies, the data suggests a significant shift towards recovery is underway.
The survey of 48 member schools for the 2025/26 academic year reveals a marked contrast to the previous year. Crucially, almost half of the business schools surveyed, specifically 46%, reported an increase in overseas student numbers, a substantial leap from just 11% who noted growth last year. This uptick suggests that many institutions are successfully navigating the challenges that have dampened recruitment over the past two cycles.
The improvement is more pronounced at the postgraduate level, where 64% of respondents saw rising international enrolments, compared to 45% at the undergraduate level. Furthermore, the proportion of schools experiencing year-on-year declines has fallen considerably across both levels. For example, while 39% of schools reported a drop in undergraduate international students in the previous year, this figure has now fallen to a much lower 14%. Similarly, the decline in postgraduate numbers has eased from over three-quarters of respondents to 39%.
However, the Chartered ABS remains concerned about the lingering impact of the UK government’s immigration agenda. Policies such as the shortening of the Graduate Route visa and the ban on dependants for most taught master’s students continue to pose significant challenges. Stewart Robinson, Chair of the Chartered ABS, warned that these measures could have a “damaging impact” on the finances of both business schools and their parent universities. Despite a higher number of schools anticipating an increase in income this year, financial constraints due to policy uncertainty persist.
While the latest figures offer a much-needed breath of fresh air for UK business schools, signalling their continued appeal to a global student base, the recovery remains fragile. The impressive bounce-back in international enrolments demonstrates the resilience and high regard for UK business education worldwide. Yet, as the Chartered ABS correctly points out, the government must reconsider the potential long-term harm of restrictive policies. A collaborative approach is essential to ensure the UK’s lucrative and vital international education sector can thrive sustainably, reinforcing its position as a world-leader in business studies.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
Top Stories
ICEF Launches AI-Powered Compliance Platform to Monitor Education Agents
September 8, 2025 | By Daniel
UK Remains Top Choice for Pathway Students Despite Tougher Visa Rules
September 5, 2025 | By Jace
China’s New K Visa Targets Global STEM Talent Amid AI Race
September 4, 2025 | By KaiMore Articles
Enrolments Fall in North America as Students Turn to Asia and Europe
North America — particularly the U.S. and Canada — is experiencing a noticeable decline in international student enrolment…
By Advay
China and Japan Release Safety Alerts for Students Amid Growing Tensions
China and Japan have both issued fresh safety advisories for their students studying abroad, reflecting increasing…
By Aahana
Australia Issues a Tough Warning Over Student Visa Integrity Threats
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) in Australia has raised the alarm about growing risks to the integrity of the…
By Henry
International Enrolments at UK Business Schools Show Signs of Recovery
International student numbers at UK business schools are slowly bouncing back after a challenging few years…
By Ezra
New Zealand Raises Work-Hour Cap for International Students — and Issues Exploitation Warning
From 3 November 2025, eligible international students in New Zealand will be allowed to work up to 25 hours per week…
By Siya
Germany’s Skills Hunt: Top High-Demand Jobs for Global Talent
Germany is fast becoming the go-to destination for skilled professionals from around the world, especially as other popular…
By Jace
Russian Boost for Indian Students: 300 Scholarships on Offer
Indian students dreaming of a world-class education with a touch of adventure have just been handed a fantastic…
By Neerav
IELTS ‘Technical Glitch’ Sparks Global Score Chaos and Apology
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) has issued a significant apology following the discovery of…
By Vaidant
CBSE Draft Curriculum Proposes Widespread Integration of Computational Thinking and AI
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has prepared a progressive draft curriculum aimed at…
By Jace
Malta Sees 27% Surge in International Higher Education Students
Malta is emerging as a significant player in the global education market, with new statistics confirming a dramatic surge in…
By Daniel
‘Wretched’ International Fee Levy Threatens UK Universities, Warns UUK Boss
The head of Universities UK (UUK), Vivienne Stern, has launched a fierce attack on the government’s idea to introduce a levy…
By Advay
Trump Defends Foreign Students, Citing Economic Impact on US Colleges
President Donald Trump recently defended the presence of international students in U.S. universities, pushing…
By Aahana
Germany Emerging as the Next Hotspot for Indian Medical Aspirants
With low to no tuition fees, EU recognition, and rising doctor demands in Germany, the nation is…
By Kai
US Revokes 8,000 Student Visas in Broad Immigration Crackdown
The Trump administration has confirmed the revocation of more than 8,000 US student visas since…
By Ezra
New ‘Student-centred’ Award to Redefine UK-India Education Agent Recognition
The prestigious India-UK Achievers Honours, a flagship initiative of the National Indian Students & Alumni Union…
By Neerav
Australia Introduces New Student Visa Rule: Processing Times Now Linked to University Compliance
The Australian government has announced a significant policy shift in its management of the international education…
By Henry
CBSE Set to Launch Global Curriculum in UAE and Other Nations from April 2026
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is taking a significant leap toward internationalisation by announcing the…
By Henry
New Zealand Expands Student Visa Working Hours in Recent Policy Change
Breaking! New Zealand expands its student visa working hours, allowing students to work 25 hours…
By Jace
Study and Work Abroad Becomes Tougher Due to Strict Rules
The study and work abroad dynamics are shifting in the opposite direction. While every student planning to…
By Ezra
Study in Portugal- An Affordable Option for International Students
In recent times, Portugal is slowly becoming the new favourite study abroad destination amongst Indian students due to…
By Vaidant
Top 5 Future-ready Courses to Study Abroad
The realm of education is changing rapidly around the world. There has been a clear shift from in students’ perspective about…
By Henry
MBBS Abroad Trends Shift from Ukraine to Georgia for Indian Students
Georgia emerges as the new favourite study abroad destination for medical students over taking Ukraine…
By Advay
South Korea Surpasses 300,000 International Enrolments Nearly Two Years Early
South Korea has achieved a major milestone by surpassing 300,000 international student…
By Ezra
Universities Warn: “We Can’t Leave Education to Political Leaders”
Universities across the world are urging greater unity as international education becomes increasingly…
By Jace
CAS Issuances Rise 8% as UK Universities See First Major Recruitment Rebound in Two Years
International student recruitment is showing clear signs of revival in the United Kingdom, with…
By Daniel
US Considers Ending OPT Tax Exemption for International Students
The US is once again placing its post-study work routes under scrutiny as new legislation proposes ending long-standing tax…
By Henry
UK and Vietnam Strengthen Education Ties Through New Strategic Partnership
The UK and Vietnam have elevated their bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic…
By Kai
Australian MPs Defend Education Integrity Reforms as New Bill Advances
Australia is moving closer to implementing major reforms to strengthen the integrity of its international education…
By Siya
University of East London and NISAU partner to boost Indian student success in the UK
The University of East London (UEL) has announced a new partnership with the National Indian Students…
By Ezra
University of Queensland and IIT Delhi Open Applications for Joint PhD Programme 2026
The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia, and the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) have…
By Henry
Macquarie University Launches ₹28.5 Lakh Scholarship Programme for Indian Students
Macquarie University in Australia has unveiled a new scholarship programme worth approximately ₹28.5 lakh to support…
By Daniel
Monash University to Open New Malaysia Campus by 2032
Monash University has announced a major expansion in Malaysia, confirming plans to open a second state-of-the-art campus…
By Jace
Global MBA Demand Shifts to Asia as Interest Declines in Western Countries
Global demand for MBA and business master’s programmes is shifting decisively towards Asia, even as…
By Kai
Japan Eyes Indian Talent to Tackle Ageing Workforce, But Cultural Gap Persists
Japan is turning to India to bridge its growing labour shortage as the country grapples with…
By Neerav
Sri Lanka to Host First-Ever UK University Campus as UWL Expands Global Footprint
Sri Lanka is set to welcome its first-ever UK university campus, with the University of West London (UWL) announcing…
By Ezra
Canada’s Study Permits Drop 60% Amid Immigration Policy Overhaul
Canada has recorded a dramatic 60% decline in international student arrivals during the first half of 2025, marking one…
By Siya
Policy Uncertainty Emerges as Major Barrier to Global Student Mobility
A new global survey by IDP Education has revealed that sudden and unclear policy changes are…
By Advay
US Clarifies $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee Rules: Relief for Existing Workers
The United States has issued fresh clarification on the controversial $100,000 H-1B visa fee, easing confusion…
By Kai
UK Cracks Down on Recruitment and Low-Quality Courses Under New Education Reforms
The United Kingdom is tightening its post-secondary education and skills training framework with…
By Aahana
India’s Study Abroad Remittances Hit Eight-Year Low Amid Global Uncertainty
Study abroad remittances from India have plunged to their lowest level in eight years, according to new data from the…
By Vaidant
Canada’s ‘Edugration’ Model Faces Growing Scrutiny Amid Calls for Reform
Canada’s long-standing “edugration” model; the fusion of education and immigration policy has come under sharp scrutiny as…
By Siya
Universities Urge Swift UK Return to Erasmus Scheme
Universities across the United Kingdom and Europe are urging the government to finalise a deal for the UK’s swift…
By Ezra
Europe’s New Digital Border System: What Indian Travellers Need to Know
Europe is introducing a major digital upgrade to its border control process. Starting 12 October 2025, the…
By Daniel
Record Indian Student Enrolment at USC Despite H-1B Concerns, Says Dean
Despite ongoing visa challenges and new H-1B fees under the Donald Trump administration, the…
By Aahana
South Korea Introduces K-STAR Visa to Attract Global STEM Talent
South Korea has unveiled a new visa pathway designed to attract top global talent in…
By Kai
MIT Rejects Trump’s Preferential Funding Offer, Citing Academic Freedom
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has become the first American university to reject Donald Trump’s proposed…
By Advay
Wales Rejects UK International Student Levy, Reaffirms Commitment to Global Students
Wales has confirmed it will not adopt the UK government’s controversial international student levy, signalling a…
By Vaidant
Lancaster University Expands to India with New Bengaluru Campus
Lancaster University has announced plans to establish a new campus in Bengaluru, India, joining a…
By Henry
International Student Arrivals to the US Drop 19%, India Sees Sharpest Decline
International student arrivals to the United States fell by 19% this August, marking the steepest annual drop…
By Siya
Academic Freedom Shrinks in the US and India, New Report Warns
Academic freedom in the United States and India is facing an alarming decline, according to the Free to Think 2025…
By Vaidant
Starmer Rules Out Visa Changes, Highlights UK University Opportunities in India
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has ruled out introducing new visa routes for Indian students and…
By Kai
France Launches Lafayette Fellowship to Attract American Students
France has announced the launch of the Lafayette Fellowship, an exclusive new programme designed to attract top…
By Ezra
Montreal’s Historic YMCA International Language School to Close Amid Policy Turmoil
The YMCA International Language School in Montreal, a fixture in Canada’s language education sector for…
By Daniel
Lawsuit Challenges Trump’s $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee Hike
A coalition of US labour unions, universities, healthcare providers and visa holders has launched the first…
By Advay
US Senator Demands End to OPT Amid Jobs and Espionage Concerns
A senior United States senator has urged the government to halt work authorisations for…
By Jace
Trump’s 15% Cap on International Students Sparks Alarm in US Universities
The United States is bracing for a major shift in higher education as the Donald Trump administration…
By Advay
Lithuania Moves to Tighten Rules on International Students
Lithuania is preparing new restrictions on international students following concerns that some have been…
By Aahana
UCL Granted Extra CAS Numbers After Allocation Exceeded
University College London (UCL) has been granted additional Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) allocations…
By Henry
Canada’s PGWP Decline Threatens Workforce Amid Global Talent Shifts
Canada’s labour market is bracing for intensified shortages as post-graduation work permit (PGWP) approvals are…
By Kai
Phased Rollout of New UK BCA Thresholds Confirmed Amid Immigration Crackdown
UK universities have been told to prepare for a “phased implementation” of new Basic Compliance Assessment (BCA)…
By Neerav
UK Overtakes US as Top Destination for Business Education
The United States has lost its long-held crown as the leading destination for business education, with the United Kingdom…
By Henry
Global Demand for US Master’s Degrees Falls by 60% Amid Policy Uncertainty
International student demand for US master’s degrees has plummeted by 61% in 2025, raising concerns about the…
By Vaidant
US Proposes 15% Cap on International Student Enrolments
The United States government has proposed a sweeping new compact that could dramatically reshape international student…
By Aahana
Canada ‘No Longer Competitive’ in Global Talent Race, Warns CBIE
Canada is losing its competitive edge in attracting international students due to a string of federal…
By Daniel
Trump Proposes H-1B Visa Overhaul Favouring Higher Paid Workers
The United States is set for a major shake-up of its H-1B visa programme, with the Trump administration proposing a new…
By Ezra
Report Warns UK International Fee Levy Could Slash Student Enrolments by 77,000
The United Kingdom’s higher education sector could face a severe blow if the government proceeds with plans to…
By Advay
UKVI Reportedly Stops International Students at Airports for Extra Checks
International students travelling to the United Kingdom are reportedly being stopped by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) officials…
By Henry
US College Leaders Express Growing Concern Over Trump Administration
Nearly three-quarters of US college leaders have expressed extreme concern over the Trump…
By Ezra
Australia Faces Decline in Student Commencements but 2025 Target Remains Within Reach
Australia’s international education sector has recorded a notable fall in new student…
By Siya
Austria Strengthens Education Ties with India Through STEM Initiatives
Austria has announced a major expansion of its higher education collaboration with India, launching new STEM-focused…
By Ezra
France Strengthens Position as International Student Hub Amid US Decline
France has cemented its position as a leading study destination, hosting nearly 445,000…
By Daniel
Uncertainty Surrounds New $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee in US
Confusion continues to swirl around the United States’ decision to impose a new…
By Neerav
Irish ELT Sector Holds Firm Despite Adult Enrolment Decline
Ireland’s English Language Teaching (ELT) sector welcomed more than 60,000 international students…
By Vaidant
Coventry University Project Wins Study Abroad and Exchange Award
Coventry University’s innovative Telepresence in Theatre project has been named…
By Aahana
Indian Students Reassess Study Abroad Plans After US H-1B Visa Fee Shock
A sudden hike in H-1B visa fees in the United States has unsettled thousands of Indian students and professionals…
By Jace
Scotland Appoints Ben Macpherson as New Higher Education Minister
Scotland has appointed Ben Macpherson, MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, as its new minister for higher…
By Kai
International Students Maintain US Study Plans Despite Concerns, Survey Shows
Despite rising concerns over safety, stability, and visa hurdles, a new survey suggests that most international…
By Ezra
IIE Launches Five-Year Survey on International Higher Education Partnerships
The Institute of International Education (IIE) has launched a five-year global survey examining the landscape of…
By Daniel
Indian Student Loses Court Appeal After Canada Denies PGWP
An Indian student has been denied a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada after both Immigration, Refugees…
By Aahana
Germany to Offer Free Student Visas for Indian Short-Term Programmes
Germany has announced a major step to support international education by introducing gratis visas, visas issued free of…
By Kai
United States tops global student satisfaction survey
The United States has retained its position as the world’s leading destination for international student…
By Jace
Saudi Arabia and Australia deepen cooperation in education and research
Saudi Arabia and Australia are forging closer ties in higher education, scientific research, and skills development following…
By Henry
Indian study-abroad sector welcomes GST relief after Supreme Court ruling
India’s study-abroad consultancy sector has expressed relief and optimism following a Supreme Court decision and a subsequent…
By Siya
US visa policy shift raises equity concerns for international students
New guidance from the United States Department of State is sparking widespread concern across the global…
By Aahana
Scotland steps up efforts to retain international students post-graduation
Scotland is intensifying its internationalisation drive, with higher and further education minister Graeme Dey declaring…
By Vaidant
US Institutions Dominate Global MBA Rankings 2026
The United States has reaffirmed its dominance in postgraduate business education, taking…
By Henry
European Universities Urged to Avoid Recruitment Pitfalls of ‘Big Four’
European universities have been warned to avoid the recruitment mistakes made by major study…
By Daniel
Australia Sees Fall in Student Visa Lodgements Amid Integrity Crackdown
Australia’s student visa system is undergoing significant change as application numbers…
By Kai
Hungary Offers Tuition-Free Higher Education with Monthly Stipend
Hungary has announced an attractive opportunity for international students through its flagship Stipendium…
By Neerav
Independent English Language Benchmarking Body ELSA Launches
A new non-profit organisation, the English Language Standard Authority (ELSA), has officially launched with the aim…
By Ezra
Germany Waives Visa Fees for Indian Students in Landmark Move
Germany has announced that Indian students will no longer be required to pay visa fees for short-term academic…
By Advay
Canada Opens PR Pathway for International Education Students
Canada has announced a new immigration pathway that allows international students in education to transition…
By Siya
London Met Tops UK Rankings for Student Value Added
London Metropolitan University has been named the best in the UK for the progress its students make, according…
By Aahana
China Approves 46 New TNE Partnerships in Major Higher Education Expansion
China’s Ministry of Education has approved 46 new transnational education (TNE) partnerships as the country looks…
By Ezra
English Path Expands with New Campus in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
English Path (EP), a global leader in language training, has announced the opening of a new campus in Riyadh, strengthening…
By Daniel
Global ELT Recovery Stalls as Canada, UK and Australia Face Setbacks
The global English Language Teaching (ELT) sector is facing slower-than-expected recovery, with major study…
By Jace
West Africa Emerges as Growing Study Destination for International Students
West Africa is seeing a surge in international student interest as affordability and visa accessibility drive demand…
By Advay
Australia’s New Tertiary Education Commission to Steer Long-Term Reform
Australia has launched the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC), a new independent body tasked with driving…
By Neerav
Canada Rejects 80% of Indian Student Visas in 2025 as Germany Gains Ground
Canada has rejected nearly 80% of student visa applications from India this year, marking one…
By Vaidant
Universities of Greenwich and Kent to Merge into ‘Super-University’
Two prominent UK universities, the University of Greenwich and the University of Kent, have announced a merger…
By Kai