Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Indian students continue to lead in UK enrolments

New figures reveal that 173,000 Indian students were studying in the UK in 2022-23.

Indian students continue to lead in UK enrolments

INDIAN students have consistently led the rankings as the largest group of international students at UK universities, a trend reaffirmed by last year's enrolment figures. This dominance persists even as overall migration to the UK declines due to stricter visa regulations.

According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) data released on Thursday (8), India sent more students to the UK than any other country in 2022-23 and accounted for 26 per cent of all students from outside the European Union (EU).


The number of Indian students in the UK has grown by 145,650 over the past five years since 2018-19. Universities UK International (UUKi) credits this rise to the Graduate Route visa, which allows students to stay in the UK for two years after graduation to work or search for jobs. The new Labour government has also supported this visa.

“We were delighted to see the secretary of state for education, Bridget Phillipson, affirm the UK's commitment to retaining the Graduate visa alongside her message of support and welcome for international students,” UUKi said in a statement.

Meanwhile, concerns are rising among UK universities that recent far-right riots and tightened visa rules might deter international students, particularly from India, who had overtaken Chinese students in numbers last year.

New figures reveal that 173,000 Indian students were studying in the UK in 2022-23, marking a significant increase from 27,500 in 2018-19, reported the Times. During the period, the number of Chinese students rose from about 121,000 to 154,000.

However, university leaders fear that violent unrest and travel warnings from countries like India, Nigeria, and Hong Kong could dissuade students from attending UK universities this autumn.

One vice-chancellor highlighted the potential impact, noting: "The riots have no direct link to students, but travel warnings may influence decisions for those choosing between the UK, Canada, and Australia."

UUKi added, “It has been heartening to see communities across the UK come out to show their support for each other, and against racism and xenophobia. We hope this positive response helps reassure current and potential international students that the UK welcomes and values diversity – and stands up to show it."

In response to concerns about the riots, a Universities UK spokeswoman said, "Communities across the UK have shown solidarity against racism and xenophobia. We hope this reassures international students that the UK values diversity."

The latest Home Office statistics, however, indicate that students and skilled workers applying for visas to the country have started to sharply fall.

The National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK, which is currently on an India-wide tour of eight cities concluding at the British Council in New Delhi over the weekend, struck a note of caution over this downward trend.

“The HESA figures are now two years out of date. It is critical that we don't let these mask the current picture and ensure that the chaos and uncertainty that the review of the Graduate Route had led to, is now fully put to rest,” said NISAU UK founder and chair Sanam Arora.

Universities have noticed fewer applications from countries like Nigeria, partly due to recent rules limiting international students from bringing family members.

A Home Office spokesperson said," Immigration brings many benefits to the UK, but it must be controlled and delivered through a fair system. We have set out a clear plan to bring down historically high levels of legal migration by tackling the root causes behind high international recruitment.

By linking immigration, labour market, and skills systems we will ensure we train up our homegrown workforce and address the shortage of skills."

(with inputs from PTI)

More For You

Voices of Faith - Day 2: A profound confluence of spirituality, music, and dialogue

Barnaby Rogerson in conversation with Anthony Sattin (L) on day 2 of Voices of Faith

Voices of Faith - Day 2: A profound confluence of spirituality, music, and dialogue

Mahesh Liloriya

The second day of Voices of Faith unfolded with an enchanting blend of music, philosophy, and intellectual exploration at the Barbican Centre, London. This inaugural festival, curated by Teamwork Arts—the force behind the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) and JLF London—has been made possible by the Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust, with the support of Tech Mahindra. Eastern Eye and Garavi Gujarat serve as the official media partners, amplifying the festival’s reach and resonance.

Session 1- Echoes of eternity: The timeless notes of Kabir

Keep ReadingShow less
starmer-immigration

Speaking at the Organised Immigration Crime Summit, Starmer said the government is working to restore order to the immigration system.

UK returns 24,000 illegal migrants since July, highest in eight years

THE UK government has returned over 24,000 individuals with no legal right to remain in the country since July, marking the highest rate of removals in eight years, prime minister Keir Starmer said on Monday.

Speaking at the Organised Immigration Crime Summit, Starmer said the government is working to restore order to the immigration system.

Keep ReadingShow less
'Aga Khan dedicated his life to service, peace, and pluralism'

Baroness Patricia Scotland speaks at an Iftar dinner held at the Ismaili Centre in London (Photo: The Ismaili National Council for the United Kingdom)

'Aga Khan dedicated his life to service, peace, and pluralism'

THE outgoing head of the Commonwealth has paid tribute to the late Prince Karim Aga Khan, describing him as a visionary leader whose lifelong dedication to service, peace, and pluralism has left a lasting impact on the world.

Speaking at an Iftar dinner held at the Ismaili Centre in London last Wednesday (26), Baroness Patricia Scotland, who steps down as Commonwealth secretary general on 1 April, reflected on her personal connection with the Aga Khan, recalling their meetings during Commonwealth Day celebrations at Westminster Abbey.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Trump-Getty

Trump has suggested the possibility of a 'great' trade deal that could help the UK mitigate the impact of tariffs he has pledged to introduce. (Photo: Getty Images)

Starmer, Trump talk trade deal progress in 'productive' discussion

KEIR STARMER and Donald Trump spoke on Sunday about ongoing UK-US trade negotiations, with Downing Street describing the talks as "productive."

Since leaving the European Union, the UK has been working to secure a trade agreement with the United States. Successive British governments have pursued a deal, but it has remained elusive.

Keep ReadingShow less
Myanmar-quake-rescue-Reuters

Rescuers carry the body of a victim during search and rescue operations, following a strong earthquake, in Bangkok, Thailand, March 30. (Photo: Reuters)

Myanmar earthquake death toll rises to 1,700, UK pledges £10m in aid

RESCUE efforts continued in Myanmar as residents searched for survivors in collapsed buildings in Mandalay, two days after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck the country. The disaster has killed at least 1,700 people in Myanmar and 17 in neighbouring Thailand.

The quake hit near Mandalay on Friday afternoon, followed minutes later by a 6.7-magnitude aftershock. The tremors caused widespread destruction, damaging buildings, bridges, and roads in the city of more than 1.7 million people.

Keep ReadingShow less