New Delhi: The number of Indian students applying to UK universities has dropped significantly, exacerbating financial challenges for education institutions already grappling with constrained budgets. A report by the UK’s Office for Students (OfS) reveals a 20.4% decline in Indian student numbers, with the count falling from 139,914 in 2022-23 to 111,329 in 2023-24.
Indian student groups in the UK cite limited job prospects, safety concerns stemming from recent anti-immigration riots, and stringent government policies as key reasons for the decline. New restrictions on foreign students bringing dependent partners and spouses have particularly dissuaded many from applying.
The OfS report highlights an 11.8% overall decline in international student acceptances, with significant decreases among students from India, Nigeria, and Bangladesh. The largest declines were seen in Nigerian students (down 44.6%) and Indian students (down 20.4%).
The financial impact on UK universities is projected to be severe. Without mitigation, the sector could face a GBP 3.445 billion income reduction and a deficit of GBP 1.636 billion by 2025-26. Up to 72% of universities may operate at a deficit, with 40% facing liquidity issues.
Indian National Students’ Association (INSA) UK President Amit Tiwari expressed disappointment, emphasizing that unless the UK government addresses economic conditions and safety concerns, the outlook for universities remains grim. Sanam Arora, chair of the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK, urged universities to invest in employability support and effectively communicate their offerings to Indian students to counter misinformation and confusion.
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