UK Student Visa Applications Fall 11% in July as Dependant Demand Stays 87% Below 2023
Updated
Updated · Times Higher Education · Aug 13
UK Student Visa Applications Fall 11% in July as Dependant Demand Stays 87% Below 2023
3 articles · Updated · Times Higher Education · Aug 13
Summary
July sponsored study visa applications to the UK fell 11% from a year earlier, extending a recruitment-season slowdown ahead of the key August application peak.
June rule changes tightened compliance thresholds for universities, while earlier curbs on most students bringing family and shorter graduate visas have further weakened overseas demand.
19,200 student dependant applications were recorded in the year to July 2026, down 6% year on year and still 87% below December 2023, before the family restrictions took effect.
262,820 UK 18-year-olds were accepted into university or college on A-level results day, up 3%, as institutions lean more heavily on domestic recruitment while international numbers soften.
Navitas said the UK is losing appeal as policy changes bed in, and RSM warned further visa declines could force some universities to cut staff, reshape estates or shift investment overseas.