New data from the UK’s Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) shows a major shift in international student trends. While the number of overseas students studying inside the UK has declined, enrolments in UK education programs delivered abroad are rising strongly.
📉 International Student Numbers in the UK Fall Again
According to HESA’s latest statistics:
- The UK hosted 685,565 international students in 2024/25
- This represents a 6% decline compared to 2023/24
- Enrolments from key markets have now fallen for the second consecutive year
This marks a noticeable change after the post-pandemic record high of 758,855 international students in 2022/23.
🎓 Postgraduate Enrolments Plummet by 10%
The sharpest decline has been seen in taught postgraduate programs:
- International master’s and taught PG entrants dropped 10% year-on-year
This fall is significant because postgraduate students form a large portion of the UK’s international education sector.
🌍 Key Sending Countries See Declines
The data highlights falling numbers from major student source countries:
- India (largest sending country) down 12%
- China down 5%
- Nigeria down by almost one-third
These drops reflect changing visa policies and increasing challenges for international applicants.
🛂 Visa Restrictions Driving the Decline
One major factor behind the decrease is the UK government’s tightening of immigration rules, including:
- Restrictions on international students bringing dependants
- Stricter compliance requirements for universities
- An upcoming levy on international tuition fees
These policy changes are expected to further reduce enrolments in the coming years.
📈 Postgraduate Research Numbers Rise 11%
While taught postgraduate enrolments fell, postgraduate research programs increased:
- PG research enrolments rose 11%
This is partly due to growing interest in programs such as MRes, which are not affected by the dependant visa ban in the same way.
🌐 UK Transnational Education (TNE) Surges Overseas
In contrast to declining UK-based enrolments, UK education delivered abroad is booming:
- Students enrolled in UK TNE programs overseas increased 8%
- Total TNE enrolments reached 669,950
This is nearly equal to the number of international students physically studying in the UK.
The UK is expanding overseas partnerships and branch campuses as part of its international education strategy.
🌏 Growing TNE Markets: India, Pakistan & Indonesia
The UK is focusing heavily on international expansion, with priority markets including:
- India (new branch campuses opening)
- Pakistan
- Indonesia
These partnerships allow students to gain UK qualifications without relocating.
📊 Updated Top Sending Countries to the UK (2024/25)
Non-EU international student numbers were led by:
- India – 146,480 students
- China – 143,200 students
- Pakistan – 48,335 students
- Nigeria – 38,040 students
- Nepal – 24,435 students
Notably, Nepal climbed into the top five, with enrolments nearly doubling due to stricter visa rules in Australia.
European Student Trends Post-Brexit
European enrolments have generally dropped since Brexit, but some countries saw modest growth:
- Ireland up 2%
- Germany up 9%
- Spain up 3%
✅ Conclusion: UK Education Is Shifting Beyond Borders
The UK is experiencing a decline in international postgraduate enrolments due to visa tightening and policy changes. At the same time, UK transnational education is growing rapidly, showing a strategic shift toward delivering British education abroad rather than attracting students solely to the UK.
📞 Contact Us
For guidance on UK admissions, postgraduate programs, visa updates, and international education opportunities:
📞 DHA Phase 3 Branch: +92 310 7203666
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