Source: Decline in international students for UK universities in 2023/24 – StudyTravel Network
In the 2023/24 academic year, the UK experienced a 3.5% decline in international student enrolments, marking the first decrease since 2015/16. The total number of international students dropped to 732,286, primarily due to a significant 21% reduction in EU students and a 1% decline in non-EU students. First-year non-EU students saw a more substantial drop of 7.1%, with notable decreases from India (down 15%) and Nigeria (down 36%), affected by the UK government’s restrictions on dependents for master’s students. Postgraduate enrolments fell by 4.4%, while undergraduate numbers dropped by 2.2%.
India remained the top source market, despite a 4% decrease, followed by China, while Pakistan and the USA saw increases in student numbers. In the EU, Ireland saw a 3% rise, while France and Italy experienced declines. Scotland was the hardest hit, with a 12% overall decrease in international students. Northern Ireland, however, recorded a 5.7% increase in new entrants.
The trend indicates a further decline in international student numbers for 2024/25, as UK Home Office data shows a 14% decrease in student visas issued for 2024. However, there was a slight rise in visa grants in late 2024, suggesting a potential stabilization.
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