UK Universities See Regional Declines in Enrolments for 2024 Autumn Intake

By Neerav October 26, 2024
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New data on Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for the autumn 2024 intake shows that enrolments at UK universities have dropped, but there are signs of improvement. According to Enroly, a company managing CAS, visa, and arrival processes for over a third of the sector, enrolments fell by 26.27% year-on-year across 59 institutions. This is better than the 51.55% drop reported in May 2024.

The decrease in CAS numbers was due to slowdowns in certain regions, especially West Africa, where numbers fell by 58.22%, mostly because of the devaluation of Nigeria’s currency. Enrolments from China and India also declined by 20.03% and 36.86% respectively compared to 2023.

Some regions, however, saw growth. CAS numbers from East Africa increased by 27.87%, with Kenya showing a 43% rise for the autumn intake.

Changes in UK policies, like protecting post-study work rights and a new government, have helped boost enrolments in the second half of the year. Issues in other countries, such as Australia and Canada, also helped the UK recover.

Visa refusal rates stayed low at 1.7%, although visa delays for applicants from places like Pakistan could affect final enrolment numbers.

Jeffrey Williams, CEO of Enroly, said that although numbers are down from the highs of 2023, this intake may be a “new baseline” for the sector. Attention now shifts to the January 2025 intake, with early signs of growth starting to appear.

Source: THE PIE NEWS

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