Data published by ICEF Monitor in January 2026 shows that international student enrolments in UK higher education fell for the second consecutive year, with an overall decline of 6.1 percent. Postgraduate programmes were disproportionately affected, with 61 percent of universities reporting declines in international postgraduate commencements for the 2025-26 academic year.
Causes
Several factors are at play. The removal of the right for most taught postgraduate students to bring dependants has made the UK less attractive to students with families — a significant demographic in many key markets including Nigeria and India. Rising upfront costs (visa fees, Immigration Health Surcharge) and uncertainty about future Graduate Route changes have also dampened demand.
The Office for National Statistics separately reported that study-related visa arrivals fell from a peak of 484,000 in the year ending June 2023 to 301,000 in the year ending June 2025.
Effect on Competition and Scholarships
With fewer applicants, universities are working harder to attract international students. Scholarship offers are becoming more generous, entry requirements in some cases are being reviewed, and class sizes at many institutions are becoming more manageable.
Universities that were previously oversubscribed now have capacity. The decline in applications has not been accompanied by any reduction in the quality of UK education provision.
