UK Student Visa Applications Surge 29% in 2025 Despite Graduate Route Cuts; Dependent Numbers

Despite reducing the post-study work period from two years to 18 months, the UK has seen a notable rise in international student visa applications. Between January and May 2025, 76,400 international students applied for UK study visas—an increase of 29% compared to the same period in 2024, according to Home Office data.

In May alone, there were 18,500 applications, up 19% year-on-year, as reported by Times Higher Education (THE). This marks the first update since the UK government revised its Graduate Route policy, yet the numbers suggest the change hasn’t discouraged prospective students.

Ruth Arnold, Director of External Affairs at Study Group, said the uptick implies concerns over the immigration White Paper may have been mitigated by the retention of some post-study work rights. She added that stricter visa regimes in countries like Australia, Canada, and the US might be making the UK a comparatively more attractive destination.

Still, Arnold warned that the UK must not be complacent. “Many students are applying to multiple destinations,” she said.

However, a significant drop has been seen in dependent visa applications. After new restrictions came into effect in January 2024, dependent applications fell drastically. Only 1,100 were recorded in May 2025, compared to 1,400 in May 2024 and 7,800 in May 2023. So far in 2025, 6,300 dependent applications have been filed—down from 46,700 in the same period last year.

Meanwhile, despite the recent spike, the total number of main applicant study visa applications over the 12 months leading to May 2025 has dropped by 9%. Louise Tweedie, partner and higher education specialist at RSM UK, noted that financial strain and structural changes continue to challenge universities, with several institutions cutting programmes and departments due to budget pressures.