A survey by the British Universities International Liaison Association (BUILA) found that many UK universities are seeing a very few international students.
- About 70% of universities had fewer students joining in January 2026 and Overall student numbers dropped by 31% when compared to last year 2025
This decrease is especially noticeable among Indian students:
- 76% of universities reported fewer students from India especially
- Similar drops were seen in South Asia:
- Pakistan: about 75% decrease
- Bangladesh: 65% decrease
These countries are now seen as higher risk due to stricter visa rules.
For Example : University of South wales – due to an increased risk of visa refusals by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), the University has made the difficult decision to suspend recruitment from Nigeria and Ghana for the MSc Project Management course for the September 2026 intake.
What universities are doing:
- Some universities are limiting student admissions from certain countries and many are doing more strict checks and interviews. Some are asking for higher deposits or stronger financial proof
What’s coming next:
- The UK government plans to introduce a “traffic light system” from June 2026, this system will rate universities based on how well they follow visa rules
- From June 1, 2026, the UK will introduce a traffic light system for universities
- Universities must keep visa rejection rates below 4% to get a “green” rating
- A “green” rating allows them to admit more international students
What’s worrying universities:
- About half of the universities think they won’t get a green rating
- Because of this uncertainty, universities are becoming more strict in selecting students
They are especially careful with students from countries like:
- India
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
Impact on student numbers:
- 82% of universities saw fewer students from Pakistan (about 75% drop)
- 65% saw fewer students from Bangladesh as well.
Problems universities are facing:
- If they fall into the “amber” category, they:
- ❌ Cannot increase international student numbers
- ❌ May face problems with growth and competition
- Around 60% said visa rejections are higher than usual
- 41% reported delays in visa processing and interviews
- Some universities say visa rejections are unclear or inconsistent, even when students qualify
What experts are saying:
- These issues may discourage genuine students from choosing the UK
- It could also damage the UK’s global reputation in education
Andrew Bird (chair of BUILA) said:
- The UK already has very strict visa rules
- But the government keeps changing the rules frequently, making things harder
BUILA has urged the government to refine the proposed system, including using amber rating as a warning rather than a trigger for restrictions and improving transparency in visa decisions.
Source :
1. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/uk/76-of-uk-universities-report-drop-in-indian-students-as-international-enrolments-fall-31-ahead-of-new-visa-rules/articleshow/130418800.cms
2. https://www.business-standard.com/immigration/76-uk-universities-see-drop-in-indian-enrolments-as-visa-rules-tighten-126042100431_1.html
3. https://careeraheadonline.com/uk-universities-face-decline-in-indian-student-enrolments-amid-new-visa-regulations/
4. https://www.financialexpress.com/business/investing-abroad-uk-student-visa-crackdown-at-least-9-universities-shut-out-applicants-from-2-high-risk-asian-nations-4066380/
