UK study visa applications jump nearly 30% in Jan–May 2025

LONDON, UK — June 16, 2025 The latest Home Office data signals a strong rebound in international student interest: 76,400 UK study visa applications were lodged between January and May 2025—a striking 29% increase over the same period last year .

May alone saw 18,500 applications, up 19% compared to May 2024 . Having softened in 2024, amid reduced dependent visas and global pandemic hangovers, student demand appears to be surging again—lifting the outlook for university enrolments and revenues.

A notable driver is the shifting geopolitical and policy landscape. Stricter visa regulations and administrative delays in the U.S., Australia, and Canada are pushing prospective students toward the U.K., seen as a "safer, more stable option". Service providers and counsellors report a clear trend: many choosing the U.K. over the "Big Four" English-speaking destinations.

Seasonal spikes typically arrive in July–September, peaking ahead of new academic terms —suggesting even more applications are expected in the coming weeks. If the current trend continues, 2025 could surpass previous highs in student visa intake.

Still, longer-term challenges remain. Dependants’ visa applications have sharply declined following policy caps in early 2024. Additionally, although student numbers are rising, UK universities grapple with budget deficits, with around 72% expected to operate at a loss in the 2025–26 academic year.

While international enrolment offers a financial lifeline, institutions are also questioning the sustainability—and diversification—of their recruitment models.

*Sources:
*https://monitor.icef.com/2025/06/uk-study-visa-applications-up-by-nearly-a-third-year-to-date/