UK Becomes Top Choice for International Students

Charlie Studying in UK 14 June 2025 | Updated On June 16, 2025 | 0

The UK is now the most popular destination for international students, thanks to growing uncertainty in other major countries like the US, Canada, and Australia.

Two new reports show rising demand and renewed confidence in the UK’s education system.

Keystone Education Group’s 2025 student recruitment report places the UK at the top for student interest. At the same time, more students are also looking beyond the usual countries, with places in Europe and Asia becoming more attractive.

Keystone’s CEO, Fredrik Högemark, says the sector is going through big changes, with many students now considering lower-cost countries due to financial pressures.

ApplyBoard also reported a strong increase in UK study visa approvals in early 2025. Over 48,000 visas were issued in the first quarter—a 27% jump from the same time in 2024. The visa approval rate stayed steady at 88%, showing that the rise is due to more applications, not easier approval.

India remained the top source of UK student visas, with over 18,000 issued in Q1—up 29% from last year. Pakistan and Nepal followed, with Bangladesh and Nepal showing the biggest year-over-year growth at 135% and 122%, respectively.

However, Chinese student visa applications dropped by 8%, likely due to growing interest in staying within East Asia for study.

Despite recent policy changes—such as limits on dependants and the review of the UK’s post-study work visa—student interest in the UK continues to grow. This marks the second straight quarter of recovery.

ApplyBoard warns that the UK’s 2025 immigration white paper could affect future demand, especially with proposals to reduce the Graduate Route post-study work visa to 18 months. Still, students appear unfazed, possibly because other countries are also facing policy instability.

Keystone’s survey found growing interest in new destinations too. South Korea entered the top 10 for the first time and is the only Asian country in the group. Master’s students are also looking more at European countries, with Germany now ranked third behind the UK and US.

Students are also becoming more cost-conscious. Nearly half of the 42,000 surveyed said they plan to work while studying, showing that traditional funding options like scholarships and family support are no longer enough.

According to Högemark, students today care more about affordability, career opportunities, and practical skills than school rankings. Universities will need to focus on real-world outcomes if they want to keep attracting international students.

Shift in Global Perceptions

Compared to Australia, Canada, and the US, where immigration rules are also tightening, the UK is currently seen as more stable and welcoming, making it attractive to international students and their families.

With over 48,000 study visas approved in Q1 2025 alone (a 27% increase from last year), student migration remains one of the largest legal immigration routes into the country.

The surge in applications puts pressure on the UK government to balance growth with control. The government has already started tightening policies, such as limiting dependant visas and proposing to shorten the Graduate Route (post-study work visa) from 24 to 18 months in the 2025 immigration white paper.

Despite the stricter policies, the demand has remained strong. The growing numbers of international students help support UK universities financially, especially post-Brexit.

If you need assistance with your UK visa application, contact IaM.

Do you need to renew your passport? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

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Charlie

Travel and Immigration Writer and Client Relationship Manager at IaM (Immigration and Migration)

Charlie is IaM’s resident Travel & Immigration Writer and Client Relationship Manager. They craft clear, engaging guides that demystify complex visa and migration rules - and then personally supports each client through every step of their journey.

Over the past 6+ years, with IaM, and working in the travel and immigration sector, Charlie has authored 200+ in-depth guides on Schengen, UK visas & other destinations they have relocated 1,000+ families safely through the system. A Clockwork Practitioner, Charlie also works hard to streamline operations and adheres to the mantra "Task Clients Well".

When they’re not translating policy into plain English, you’ll find them scouting new destinations, collecting local stories, and mastering a new language to better serve our global community.