Which UK Universities Are Most Affected by Falling International Postgraduate Enrolments?

The story of UK higher education in 2025 is increasingly shaped by one pressing issue – the UK's international postgraduate enrolment decline. Fresh data now shows that overseas student numbers have fallen yet again this September, marking another year of downturn. A survey by the British Universities International Liaison Association (BUILA) reveals that 61% of UK universities reported a postgraduate student drop, underlining the scale of the challenge.

Overall, across all levels of study, international student postgraduate numbers in the UK dropped by 6%. This shows that falling enrolments in UK higher education remain a serious concern. Yet there was not all bad news: postgraduate enrolments from the EU rose by 13%, from the US by 19%.

Country-Specific Changes

The most pronounced decreases were seen in China, where 80% of universities report an average fall of 17%. In India, 63% of institutions reported around 9% drops. These figures definitely show the challenges that UK universities are having in major postgraduate recruitment.

Comparison with Previous Years

Although the decline is worrying, it is not as steep as in 2024, when HESA (Higher Education Statistics Agency), which is the UK’s official agency responsible for collecting, analysing and publishing data about higher education institutions. It showed a 20% overall fall in international postgraduate enrolments. Even so, the postgraduate taught enrolments UK continue to affect university finances and teaching capacity.

Causes of the Decline

There are a number of reasons, according to experts, which are believed to make international postgraduate enrolment go down across UK universities in 2025.

The impact of visa rules on UK postgraduate enrolments, including a 19% drop in study visas between 2022 and 2024. Such policy changes as the dependent visa ban and the proposed international student levy from 2028 will thus charge English universities £925 each year per overseas student. Financial and Institutional Impact: International students continue to be crucial to the UK's postgraduate education.

They comprised 71 per cent of full-time postgraduate enrollments in 2023/24, crucial for teaching and research. The causes and trends within the UK postgraduate, taught enrolment drop now pose risks to budgets, given that universities depend heavily on these fees. Outlook Andy Bird, chair of BUILA, cautioned that "global competition is hotting up" and called on the government to ensure immigration rules were balanced against the need to preserve the UK's reputation as a global leader in study destinations.

With the levy now certain for 2028, universities should gird themselves for increased financial pressure. As its name suggests, a niche market is a smaller segment of the overall market. It has to be big enough to offer monetary returns but small enough to allow effective marketing. A niche market could be based on geographical location, for example.

One example of a business reaching a niche market is Waldenbooks. The analysis of UK postgraduate enrolment decline 2025 shows that while some regions, such as the EU and US, are growing, the downturn from China and India is significant. The impact of changing UK visa policy on international postgraduate students is unmistakable, and unless stability is delivered, the UK higher education international student market trends may continue to shift towards competitor countries.

Editor’s Note:

New data has revealed that the decline in international postgrad numbers in the UK has been a continuing theme into 2025, casting a shadow on the future of the higher education sector. Although the rate of decline is decelerating, it is a negative trend that cannot be overlooked. Although it is encouraging that there are increases in numbers from the EU and the US, the decline from other major countries such as China and India is still outweighing these increases. It is therefore still a problem that many universities are facing in order to maintain their postgraduate population. In addition, pressures linked to policy issues, such as stricter visa regulations and upcoming financial fines, have now contributed to uncertainty for the institutions as well as potential students. This is also being made challenging by stiff competition from other destinations for studying. Additionally, the effect of a reduced number of international postgraduates on the finances of the universities is becoming even more difficult to cope with. International postgraduates are a significant source of funds for teaching, research, and university services, meaning that a reduction in this number might result in the closure of courses, a reduction in staff capacity, and a reduction in research opportunities. Thus, a steady level of uncertainty might affect the quality of UK higher education.

Skoobuzz firmly believes that without the introduction of clearer and more balanced policies, the UK's position in the international market for postgraduate education is set to continue declining.

FAQs

Q1. Why are international students not coming to the UK?

Many international students are choosing other countries because of stricter UK visa rules, rising costs, and stronger competition from global study destinations. The dependent visa ban and uncertainty around post‑study work opportunities have also discouraged applicants.

Q2. What is the current situation in the UK for international students?

International student numbers are falling, especially at the postgraduate level. In 2025, overall overseas enrolments dropped by 6%, with sharp declines from China and India. However, enrolments from the EU and the US have grown, showing mixed trends across different regions.

Q3. What is the new rule for international students in the UK in 2025?

The main change is the continued restriction on dependents for most postgraduate students, introduced in 2024. In addition, universities are preparing for the international student levy, confirmed for 2028, which will charge English universities £925 per overseas student each year.

Q4. Why are international graduates not getting jobs in the UK?

Graduates face challenges because not all employers offer visa sponsorship. The UK job market has slowed, and competition for sponsored roles is high. This makes it harder for international graduates to secure long‑term employment after using the Graduate Route visa.

Q5. Is the decline in UK postgraduate enrolments linked to the visa policy?

Yes. The fall in UK international postgraduate enrolments is closely tied to visa rules. Study visa grants dropped by 19% between 2022 and 2024, and restrictions such as the dependent ban have reduced demand. Policy changes are a major factor alongside global competition.