UK Universities Face Second-Year Slide in International Postgraduates
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The welcome mats are feeling a little less crowded at Britain’s universities this autumn, as figures confirm a second consecutive annual drop in the number of international students starting postgraduate courses. The decline, which follows a larger dip last year, has sent a chill through the sector, which relies heavily on overseas fee income.
Data gathered by the British Universities International Liaison Association (BUILA) shows that 61% of institutions surveyed reported a decrease in international postgraduate enrolments for the new academic year. This continues a trend from the previous year, though the rate of decline has lessened. Across all levels of study, the overall number of overseas students enrolling has dropped by 6%.
The drop is not uniform, however. Encouragingly, there has been a notable rise in postgraduate students arriving from the EU and the US, with average increases of 13% and 19% respectively. But these gains have been overshadowed by significant decreases in two of the UK’s most vital markets. An overwhelming 80% of universities saw a decline in starters from China, with average drops of 17%, while 63% reported falls from India, averaging 9%.
The main driver of this challenging trend is intensifying global competition from rival study destinations. However, the sector is also grappling with the tangible effects of tighter government policy. The Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford noted a 19% fall in the total number of study visas issued between 2022 and 2024. Furthermore, the upcoming introduction of an international student levy in England from 2028 is adding to the financial uncertainty.
Andrew Bird, Chair of BUILA, articulated the sector’s unease, stressing that universities are operating in a highly uncertain environment as recent policy changes take effect. He urged the government to ensure a period of stability for the sector, which is worried about the combined effect of the levy and tighter recruitment regulations.
The continued drop in international student numbers puts additional financial pressure on UK universities. These students are a crucial part of the education ecosystem, making up 71% of full-time postgraduate enrolments in recent years and helping to fund both teaching and vital research capacity. As global competition for talent heats up, the British government faces a critical balancing act: managing its immigration agenda without compromising the international reputation and financial stability of its world-leading higher education sector. It is a moment where clear, stable, and welcoming policy is more vital than ever.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
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