China and India Lead Decline in UK Postgraduate Enrolments 2025

Fresh evidence pointed to the trend of the UK international postgraduate enrolments dropping in 2025, continuing into the new year. It was reported that over half of the universities have been experiencing a falling number of international postgraduate students at UK universities, indicating that the trend was yet to stabilise. According to the survey carried out by BUILA International Enrolments UK in November 2025, “61 per cent of the 69 universities polled reported a reduction in international numbers enrolling for postgraduate programmes for the UK academic year 2025/26.” This was observed to be a part of a larger issue in postgraduate enrolments UK 2025, where overall international enrolments were down 6 per cent.

However, there were also some institutions that posted increases from particular regions. The statistics revealed that there were increases in postgraduate enrolments from the US and the EU by 19 per cent on average and 13 per cent on average, respectively. Nevertheless, the decline in postgraduate enrolments in the UK from international students was apparent in the key markets of China and India. The findings of the survey indicated that 80 per cent of institutions reported a 17 per cent on average decrease in postgraduate enrolments from China, while 63 per cent reported a 9 per cent on average decrease from India. Observers pointed out that the statistics demonstrated how postgraduate enrolments in key markets such as China and India decreased in the UK in 2025.

Visa statistics also showed changes in trends. According to the UK Home Office, the total sponsored study visa grants for the year ending September 2025 were 439,924, which was similar to the previous year but 31 per cent lower than the total seen in 2023. The total number of main applicants was 419,558, which was up by 7 per cent compared to 2024 levels, but the total number of dependents was only 20,366, showing a remarkable fall of 57 per cent compared to the previous year. This was attributed to the international student visa effect on postgraduate enrolment, as the effect of UK visa restrictions and policy changes on postgraduate recruitment in 2025 was becoming clearly evident, according to analysts.

Although this fall was not as dramatic as in 2024, when a 20 per cent fall was recorded, according to HESA statistics, the pattern remained a cause for concern. Analysts pointed out that international students were a critical component of international postgraduate courses at UK universities, comprising 71 per cent of full‑time postgraduate enrolment in 2023‑24. They also emphasised the effect of a fall in international postgraduate enrolments on the finances of UK universities, since overseas fees were a crucial source of funding for them.

A quote by Andrew Bird, the chair of BUILA, indicated that the fall was mainly due to an increasing level of competition among existing international study destinations worldwide. He also indicated that the institutions were preparing to pay an international student levy in 2028. According to the law, English universities would pay £925 every year for every international student, except that the first 220 students would get an allowance.

This was expected to put even more strain on those who are facing issues concerning postgraduate recruitment in the UK higher education system. In sum, it seems that the trend analysis of international postgraduate enrolment outlook in the UK revealed that even though there was growth in other areas, such as the EU/US, there was confirmation of vulnerability in the UK international postgraduate recruitment survey, which suggested that the sector would have to learn to adapt, being financially stable while also being able to lure international students.

Editor’s Note:

Current data reveal that the problem in international postgraduate intake in the UK in 2025 is not a short‑term phenomenon, but a trend. In this regard, it was shown in the BUILA Survey international enrolments in the UK, “61 per cent of universities reported a fall in the number of international students beginning postgraduate courses in the UK in the academic year starting in 2025/26.” Even so, there is a rise in enrolment in the US and EU. Significantly, the steepest declines were recorded from China and India, which represent two of the largest markets for the UK. The universities reported that overall numbers from China decreased by 17 per cent, while there was a 9 per cent reduction from India. These data illustrate the reduction in postgraduate numbers from key markets, including China and India, who attend universities 2025 in the UK, and emphasise the postgraduate intake difficulties for the UK in 2025. Visa figures also contribute to this situation. Despite an increase in the number of principal applicants compared to last year, the total number of study visa awards remains significantly lower than in 2023. There was also a sharp decline in dependent visa awards. Such data reveals the international student visa scheme's influence on postgraduate student enrolment, in addition to the UK visa restrictions affecting postgraduate recruitment in 2025. The economic implications cannot and should not be overlooked either. International students constitute more than two‑thirds of the total full‑time postgraduate students, and the tuition fees are critically important for teaching and research in the country’s higher education institutions. The effects of a decrease in the number of international students pursuing postgraduate education in the UK are already being witnessed, and the proposed international students’ fees from 2028 will only exacerbate the situation.

Overall, however, the postgraduate enrolment trends that Universities UK has published for 2025 paint a picture of a sector struggling. Though there are positive elements of an increase in numbers from the US and the EU, there is undeniably a trend of decline. The universities are caught between competition and visas, as well as financial constraints. Skoobuzz firmly believes that a stable policy and maintaining attractiveness as a destination for studies are much‑needed at this juncture.

FAQs

1. How many international students are enrolled in the UK?

In the 2023/24 academic year, about 730,000 international students were studying at UK universities, making up around 25% of the total student population. Applications for 2025 also showed growth, with 118,800 international applicants recorded by UCAS at the January deadline.

2. Is the UK still accepting international students?

Yes, the UK is still accepting international students in 2025. Universities continue to offer places, and while most courses begin in September, there are also January and May intakes. Some universities even have rolling admissions, so students can still apply later in the year.

3. How many intakes in the UK for international students?

There are generally three main intakes for international students in the UK:

• September (Autumn/Fall) – the largest intake with the widest choice of courses.

• January (Winter) – a smaller intake, useful for those who miss September.

• May/June (Summer) – limited courses but offers flexibility.

• PhD programmes often accept applications throughout the year.

4. What are the new rules for international students in the UK in 2025?

In 2025, the UK government introduced stricter immigration rules. Key changes include:

• The Graduate Route visa (post-study work visa) may be reduced from two years to 18 months.

• Tougher English language requirements.

• Stricter rules on dependants and settlement pathways. These changes aim to reduce net migration, but they also make it harder for students to plan long-term careers in the UK.

5. Which university has no interview in the UK?

Several UK universities allow admission without interviews. They focus on academic records, personal statements, and application documents. Examples include institutions listed in guides such as Aspire Square and WayUp Abroad, which highlight top UK universities without interviews for international students.