Indian students' concerns about employment, safety, and visas discourage them from applying to UK universities

A decrease in Indian student admissions is putting UK universities' financial stability in jeopardy.

According to a recent survey, Indian students in the U.K. are finding it more difficult to apply to institutions due to worries about job prospects, safety, and visa limitations. At a time when UK educational institutions are already having financial difficulties, this drop in applications is especially noteworthy.

An independent government agency called the Office for Students (OfS) examined data from the U.K. Home Office on student visa applications from 2022–2023 to 2023–2024. According to the data, the number of Indian students at UK universities fell by 20.4%, from 139,914 to 111,329—a substantial decline from a major source market.

According to the survey, there is a general reduction in the number of international students, with the biggest drops occurring in Nigeria and India. 11.8% less Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) was gained overall by international students, with a reduction of 44.6% for Nigerian students and a 20.4% decrease for Indian students.

The effect on universities in Britain

The decline in Indian student applications is expected to hurt colleges that rely significantly on foreign students, particularly those from Bangladesh, Nigeria, and India. According to the OfS, UK institutions could experience a serious financial catastrophe if substantial action is not taken. By 2025–2026, the company is expected to lose GBP 3.4 billion, putting numerous institutions at risk of going bankrupt.

According to the OfS report, "universities that have developed financial models reliant on international students from these key countries are particularly concerned about these declines." "With 72% of universities operating in the red, the sector could face a deficit of GBP 1.6 billion in the absence of mitigating actions."

An Important Aspect of Changes to Policies and Visas

According to the Indian National Students’ Association (INSA) U.K., the drop in applications was anticipated in light of recent modifications to immigration laws in the United Kingdom. Prospective students have been particularly put off by the UK government's crackdown on foreign students bringing dependents. New regulations that forbid Indian students in the U.K. from bringing their spouses or partners with them further deter many from studying there.

"With the current state of the U.K. economy and recent instances of anti-immigrant riots, the outlook for U.K. universities is dire unless the government changes its policies," Amit Tiwari, the president of INSA U.K. They are largely dependent on Indian students.

Indian students are the largest group obtaining the Graduate Route post-study work visa, and India has just surpassed China as the most popular nationality awarded study visas to the UK. However, subsequent government evaluations have cast doubt on this immigration path, which has further confused and alarmed potential students.

Workplace and Safety Concerns

The decrease in applications is caused by a number of variables. Sanam Arora, chair of the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) U.K., claims that the country has become less appealing due to the prohibition on dependents and the raising of the salary thresholds for qualified workers. There is false information, worries about job prospects, and misconceptions regarding the post-study work visa for Indian students in the UK. Student safety has also grown to be a major worry in recent years.

Indian students have been deeply worried about their safety in the wake of recent anti-immigration riots in several parts of the United Kingdom, according to the NISAU. To dispel misunderstandings about visas and job opportunities, Arora urged UK institutions to communicate better about the options they provide.

In order to compete, she stated, "universities must make investments in employability support and make sure they offer a comprehensive, outcome-oriented offer." Indian students must be fully informed of the advantages of studying in the UK.

The Future of British Universities

As the number of overseas students starts to decline, the UK's higher education system is dealing with more and more difficulties. A significant portion of Indian students in the U.K. are reconsidering their choices because of a number of causes, including safety concerns, economic concerns, and political changes. It might be difficult for UK universities to preserve the financial stability they have traditionally depended on from international students if these trends continue.

The survey comes to the conclusion that in order to solve these issues and guarantee that the UK continues to be a well-liked choice for overseas students, the government and institutions must take quick action. To defy the trend, it could be important to address the safety and employment prospects of Indian students in the UK.