The UK’s Home Office has observed a significant 54% rise in study visas provided to Indian students compared to 2022, positioning the UK as a top choice for Indian students pursuing advanced education. This data has been thoroughly examined and shared by Gradding, an overseas study platform.

There has been a considerable increase, with Indians now possessing almost seven times more study visas than in 2019. The UK distributed nearly 500,000 of these visas, and intriguingly, around a third of these went to Indian students.

Consequently, the forthcoming academic year is expected to see over 300,000 Indian students joining UK universities.

DATA INSIGHT

The data indicates that Indian students received 142,848 study visas, marking a 54% or 49,883 visa surge compared to the year ending in June 2022. The Graduate Route, allowing students to remain in the UK post-studies, witnessed 42% of its extensions being offered to Indian students.

Moreover, 20% of students with visas expiring in 2022 opted for the Graduate Route post their education. This trend is predicted to persist in 2023 and likely see further growth in the subsequent academic year.

Gradding’s founder, Mamta Shekhawat, stresses the UK’s allure due to its exceptional educational value. She points out that the UK’s education is more affordable than countries like the USA and Australia. She also emphasizes the UK graduates’ high employability rate, where 80% of international students see career advancements due to their UK education.

GLOBAL ENROLLMENT DYNAMICS

The pattern of global enrollments at UK universities has evolved over time. In 2020, most international students came from Greece and Ireland, making up 21% of all enrollments. However, by 2022 and 2023, China and India have taken the lead, accounting for 41% of all international students. Recent geopolitical issues between India and Canada partially explain this shift, with many students now favoring the UK.

SCHOLARSHIPS: A KEY FACTOR

Scholarships have been instrumental in making UK education more attainable. There’s been a 10% rise in scholarship demand from the previous year. The University of Essex, for instance, is offering scholarships valued at ã10,000 for Indian students joining one-year master’s courses.

The UK government has streamlined the visa process for Indian students, reintroducing the Graduation Immigration Route, letting them work in the UK for two years post-graduation without needing a tier-2 visa.

Indian students can now receive their UK visas within 15 working days, ensuring smooth travel between the two countries.

Unlike North American counterparts, the UK provides one-year postgraduate programs, making education more feasible for Indian students. The Graduation Immigration Route boosts the job prospects of Indian students in the UK, drawing students globally.

Sources: Australian Government; Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC); HESA; Institute of International Education (IIE)

In 2020/21, the UK achieved its 2030 international student enrollment goal a decade early, with over 600,000 international students. Among major nations, the UK and Canada have seen the most substantial growth in international student enrollments lately.

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