In recent years, Indians have surpassed Chinese as the most common nationality to receive study visas to the UK.
According to a recent assessment on the stability of the higher education sector in England, Indian students are being discouraged from applying to UK universities, which would further compound their financial difficulties at a time when educational institutions are already dealing with tight budgets.According to an Office for Students (OfS) research published on Friday, the number of Indian students has decreased by 20.4%, from 1,39,914 to 1,11,329, based on UK Home Office data on confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) by UK providers from 2022–23 to 2023–24.
Indian student organizations in the UK stated that the decline was expected given the lack of employment opportunities and safety worries brought on by recent anti-immigration legislation.
According to the report by OfS, a non-departmental public agency of the government's Department for Education, "there has been a considerable decline in student visa applications from prospective non-UK students in some major source countries."
"The total number of sponsor acceptances granted to international students has decreased by 11.8%, and there is significant variation for students of different nationalities," the report stated. The biggest drops were recorded in the number of CAS granted to Indian and Nigerian students, which decreased by 28585 (20.4%) and 25,897 (44.6%), respectively.
"The total number of sponsor acceptances granted to international students has decreased by 11.8%, and there is significant variation for students of different nationalities," the report stated. The biggest drops were recorded in the number of CAS granted to Indian and Nigerian students, which decreased by 28585 (20.4%) and 25,897 (44.6%), respectively.
It issues a warning that this declining trend is expected to have a major impact on universities whose financial models rely disproportionately on students from nations like Bangladesh, Nigeria, and India.
"The number of foreign students from some countries that send large numbers to study in the UK has decreased significantly," the Office for Student Safety warns.
According to current trends, we project a net income reduction for the sector of GBP 3,445 million by 2025–2026. In the absence of significant mitigating actions, we project a sector-level deficit of minus GBP 1,636 million, with up to 72% of providers in deficit and 40% having low liquidity, the report continues.
"The number of foreign students from some countries that send large numbers to study in the UK has decreased significantly," the Office for Student Safety warns.
According to current trends, we project a net income reduction for the sector of GBP 3,445 million by 2025–2026. In the absence of significant mitigating actions, we project a sector-level deficit of minus GBP 1,636 million, with up to 72% of providers in deficit and 40% having low liquidity, the report continues.
Given the government's crackdown on allowing international students to bring their spouses and dependent partners, the Indian National Students' Association (INSA) UK said it was not shocked by the sharp decline of Indian students.
INSA UK President Amit Tiwari stated, "Under the new policy, students are not allowed to bring their partners to the UK. Given the economic conditions here and recent rioting stories, the outlook for UK universities is bleak unless the government addresses this issue." UK universities heavily rely on Indian students.
Indians are the largest group to obtain the Graduate Route post-study employment visa, which was put into chaos after a review that decided it was here to stay. In recent years, Indians have surpassed Chinese as the most common nationality given study visas to the UK.
According to Sanam Arora, chair of the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK, "a number of factors contribute to the decline in numbers, including the Conservative ban on dependents, confusion surrounding post-study work visas, increase in skilled worker salary thresholds, and an apparent lack of jobs in the UK."
INSA UK President Amit Tiwari stated, "Under the new policy, students are not allowed to bring their partners to the UK. Given the economic conditions here and recent rioting stories, the outlook for UK universities is bleak unless the government addresses this issue." UK universities heavily rely on Indian students.
Indians are the largest group to obtain the Graduate Route post-study employment visa, which was put into chaos after a review that decided it was here to stay. In recent years, Indians have surpassed Chinese as the most common nationality given study visas to the UK.
According to Sanam Arora, chair of the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK, "a number of factors contribute to the decline in numbers, including the Conservative ban on dependents, confusion surrounding post-study work visas, increase in skilled worker salary thresholds, and an apparent lack of jobs in the UK."
"We learned about the extent of persistent misinformation; for the first time, safety is also being brought up as a worry. To clear up any lingering misunderstandings, universities in India must make sure they are effectively and widely presenting the UK offer, she said.
"In order to remain competitive and give students a comprehensive, outcome-oriented offer, universities must also make significant investments in their employability support," she continued.
"In order to remain competitive and give students a comprehensive, outcome-oriented offer, universities must also make significant investments in their employability support," she continued.
0 Comments