International students question value for money as UK higher education costs surge

International students have raised serious concerns over whether enrolling in UK universities is worth the expense, amid rising visa charges, increased tuition burdens, and reduced quality of the university experience.

Research by the Russell Group Students’ Unions (RGSU) has shown that average monthly living costs for international students are now £1,402 across the UK and £1,635 in London.  Nearly one in five report constant financial anxiety, with many relying on borrowing, credit cards, or high-interest loans to cover tuition and living costs.

Students have also faced rising immigration-related costs, including a hike in the Immigration Health Surcharge from £624 to £1,035 in 2024, and visa application fees increasing by 7% to £524.

International student numbers have sharply declined, in part due to tightened visa restrictions introduced in January 2024

This comes after the UK government proposed a new levy of 6% on international tuition fees in May 2025 in an effort to reduce student numbers by 7,000 annually. This will come to an estimated £600 million annual cost that university leaders warn may be passed directly on to students.

Meanwhile, post-study visa opportunities are shrinking. The Graduate Route visa, which previously offered two years of stay post-graduation, will now be shortened to 18 months, reducing internship and job prospects for graduates.

International student numbers have sharply declined, in part due to tightened visa restrictions introduced in January 2024, including limitations on bringing dependents. As a result, nearly 43% of UK universities are forecast to run a deficit by the end of the 2024‑25 academic year.

We can allow our […] higher education system to slide into decline. Or we can act together […] to ensure that higher education is able to deliver

Sally Mapstone, Universities UK President

This fall in enrolments has hit university budgets hard. In 2023‑24, international student income made up nearly a third of total income for many institutions. Without those fees, many universities are now cutting academic offerings. According to a recent Universities UK report, 49% have closed courses and 18% have closed entire departments.

Non-academic services are also under pressure. Over half of universities have cut IT and catering, 60% have scaled back maintenance, and nearly half have indicated hardship funds and bursary provision may face reductions within three years.

Universities UK President, Sally Mapstone, has warned that universities face a pivotal moment, saying “we can allow our […] higher education system to slide into decline. Or we can act together […] to ensure that higher education is able to deliver for the nation into the 2030s.”