UK Study Visa Surge by 23 % in June 2023

The UK Witnessed a 23% Surge in Study Visas Granted by June 2023 in the period up to June 2023, the United Kingdom experienced a notable upswing in issuing sponsored study visas, with close to 500,000 being granted to primary applicants.

Remarkable 23% increase in UK visa

This marks a substantial 23% increase compared to the previous year, and it is intriguing to note that nearly one-third of these visas were obtained by Indian students.

Additionally, statistics released by the Home Office today divulged that almost 154,000 of these sponsored study-related visas were bestowed upon dependents of students.

It is worth mentioning that, starting from January 2024, students pursuing master’s degrees in the UK on taught courses will no longer be allowed to bring their dependents with them. This new regulation, however, will not apply to undergraduates.

On the other hand, students engaged in postgraduate research programs will retain the privilege of bringing their dependents even after 2024.

The tally of 498,626 sponsored study visas granted to students in June 2023 reflects a significant 108% surge compared to the figures before the COVID-19 pandemic, during the year ending June 2019.

Stakeholders within the education sector are now eagerly awaiting the release of Q3 figures for 2023, scheduled for November 23. Historically, Q3 is when most prospective students apply for visas essential for enrollment in UK universities.

The rise in granted study visas has primarily been driven by non-EEA students, with their numbers surging by 24% over the past year. On the other hand, EU student numbers remained relatively stable, with only a slight 1% decline.

Indian Student at the forefront

Indian students took the lead, with 142,848 sponsored study visas granted to them. This represents an impressive increase of 49,883 (+54%) compared to the year ending June 2022.

Notably, grants to Indian students are now approximately seven times higher than they were in the year ending June 2019.

Meanwhile, the number of study visas issued to Chinese students saw a slight drop of 6% from June 2022, with 107,670 visas granted by June 2023.

Collectively, Chinese and Indian nationals accounted for half of all sponsored study visas.

Among the top five nationalities receiving sponsored study visas were Nigeria, Pakistan, and the US. Nigeria experienced the most substantial increase, with a 73% surge in the past year, totaling 58,680 visas.

Analyzing the sponsored visa grants given to students from the EEA, Germany held the highest share at 18%, with 4,373 visas granted, followed by France at 4,286 (also 18%), and Spain at 3,380 (14%).

Diverse top nationality

The statistics also reveal that by June, 98,394 extensions were granted under the Graduate route. Of these, Indians secured over two-fifths (42%), further emphasizing the popularity of this post-study option.

Earlier analysis indicated that 20% of students whose visas expired in 2022 transitioned to the Graduate route after completing their studies.

FAQS

Q1: How much did the number of UK study visas granted increase in June 2023?

A1: The number of UK study visas granted increased by 23% in June 2023 compared to the previous year.

Q2: What change is being implemented regarding the dependents of master’s students in the UK?

Starting January 2024, dependents of master’s students on taught courses will no longer be allowed to accompany them.

Q3: Which two nationalities accounted for half of all sponsored study visas granted in the UK?

Chinese and Indian nationals together accounted for half of all sponsored study visas granted in the UK.