Applications for main applicants aiming to study in the UK have dropped significantly, according to government data. In the first three months of 2024, only 34,000 applications were recorded, compared to 46,900 two years ago in 2022. This decline follows new government regulations implemented on January 1, prohibiting masters taught students from bringing dependents.

As a result, total dependent study visa applications plummeted from 23,800 in the first three months of 2022 to just 6,700 this year.

The Home Office suggests waiting until the peak in student applications for the next academic year, typically in August or September, to gauge the full impact of recent policy changes and other factors. However, some experts express skepticism about this approach.

The education sector has raised concerns about the negative impact of recent policy changes on the attractiveness of studying in the UK for international students. Diana Beech, CEO of London Higher, notes that the decline in applications in early 2024 underscores the tangible effects of changes to dependent visas, increased application fees, health surcharges, and the ongoing review of graduate visas.

She emphasizes that the US has now surpassed the UK as the preferred study destination, highlighting the need for attention to regain competitiveness.

Recent surveys support this trend, with the US emerging as the top study destination among international students, surpassing traditional favorites like Australia, Canada, and the UK. London Higher advocates against further changes to the graduate route, citing concerns about the government’s apprehensions regarding the influx of dependents.

Beech emphasizes the importance of fair consideration by the government, free from political pressure, to ensure the UK remains an attractive destination for international students.