UK student visa applications increase despite changes to post-graduation work rights

The number of UK study visa applications this year has increased by almost a third compared to last year, despite the government’s tightening of visa restrictions. 

Figures from the Home Office show that, in May 2025, approximately 18,500 people applied for sponsored student visas. This marks a 19% increase compared to the same period last year.

The statistics are the first to be released since the government introduced new restrictions on post-study work rights, which suggests that the tightening of restrictions has had no initial effect on the demand for student visas.

Since the beginning of 2025, 76,400 people have applied for a UK student visa, an increase of 29% compared to the first five months of 2024

The government announced a series of new restrictions on student visas in May, including reducing the graduate visa pathway from 2 years to 18 months and tightening the financial maintenance requirements for a student visa.

Nevertheless, since the beginning of 2025, 76,400 people have applied for a UK student visa, an increase of 29% compared to the first five months of 2024.

Ruth Arnold, Director of External Affairs at Study Group, said that the increase of visa applications suggests that the government’s plans have not deterred students from applying to UK institutions.

She said: “Global politics are also shifting student choices. With stricter visa rules in Australia, Canada, and the US, and unease over recent US policies, more students are turning to the UK as a safer, more stable option.”

Applications for dependant visas, however, decreased this year to 1,100 from 1,400 in 2024.

Following the news, The Boar interviewed a prospective University of Leeds student from Iraq, who will be applying for a UK study visa.

I’m applying to the UK mainly because I got into a really good Russell Group university. If that wasn’t the case, I would’ve stayed here in Iraq

Prospective Leeds student from Iraq

The student told The Boar: “I’m applying to the UK mainly because I got into a really good Russell Group university. If that wasn’t the case, I would’ve stayed here in Iraq”.

He further elaborated on the importance of language and geography in choosing university options: “Yes, the USA and Australia also speak English, but I don’t want to be that far from home.”

Louise Tweedie, Partner and Higher Education Specialist at RSM UK, also summed up the general industry sentiment over international student numbers: “Universities also continue to face financial pressures and structural changes, with several universities announcing cuts to programmes and departments in May, due to budget constraints.

“With rising employment and operational costs, economic uncertainty and a decline in international student numbers, the sector’s financial challenges are unlikely to improve without government intervention.”