UK Study Visas up 18% in 2025; Nearly 1 Lakh Indians Approved

What the Numbers Reveal

• The first half of 2025 saw an 18% increase in study visas when compared to the first half of 2024.
• Chinese students led the list with 99,919 study visas, followed by Indian students with 98,014 – both at a 24% share.
• However, total grants for the years ended June 2025 decreased by 18% to 431,725.

Why the Dip in Overall Numbers?

While new approvals show growth, year-on-year grants fell due to:

• Reduction in dependent visas – down 81% from the previous year.
• New rules beginning January 2024 only enable research-based postgraduates or government-funded students to bring dependents.
• Migration policies and global economic conditions played a part in affecting demand.

Masters Remain the Top Choice

Postgraduate degrees still dominate with:

• 81% of Indian students selected master’s programmes (March 2025 data).
• More than 60% of all study visas granted over the past five years relate to master’s courses.
• Chinese students had 59% for the same level of programme.

UK Student Visa Applications in 2025: Seasonal Patterns

Applications tend to rise in two waves:

• August: Ahead of the academic year.
• December: Smaller spike before winter intake.

According to the Home Office data, the number of main applicant submissions in July 2025 was 428,900 – a slight 3% dip from the previous year. Dependents’ applications dropped significantly to 20,200 – down 86% compared to December 2023.

Why Students Still Choose the UK

Despite all the policy changes, the UK is a top choice for students because of the following reasons:

• Top universities of international standards.
• Short master’s programmes of just one year.
• Wide-ranging career opportunities across the globe.

Although the regulations may become more stringent, hopes do not diminish – they just find alternative paths to grow.

Conclusion: Planning Your UK Study Journey

The latest data indicates that the UK is still a very attractive destination. With all the changes in rules, numbers, and policies, the need for advice is greater than ever. If you want professional help, the best UK Visa Consultants in India, like Abhinav Immigration Services, will provide you with:

• Guidance through the entire process of choosing courses and universities.
• Correct visa filing as well as compliance checks.
• Support in the process of accessing the opportunities of post-study work.

The journey to the UK is no longer just about filling forms – it’s about making informed choices, with the right experts by your side.