Enrollment of Indian students in UK universities drops to 76%, a survey has revealed.
The number of Indian students enrolling in UK universities has fallen, as new data shows a wider decline in international postgraduate admissions ahead of tightening of visa rules.A survey by the International Communication Association of British Universities found that 70% of UK universities reported fewer international students joining courses in January 2026, with overall enrollments down 31% compared to the same period last year.This decline is also reflected among Indian students, with 76% of universities reporting lower enrollment rates in India. Similar patterns were seen across South Asia, with 82% of universities reporting a decline in the number of students from Pakistan, where numbers fell by an average of 75%, while 65% reported declines from Bangladesh. These markets are increasingly seen as higher risk under the evolving visa framework.The findings suggest that universities are already adjusting their recruitment strategies before taking more stringent compliance measures.
About a third of organizations have restricted recruitment in some countries, while 58% have enhanced credibility checks or interview thresholds. A similar ratio has introduced higher deposits or stricter financial requirements to reduce the risk of visa refusal.According to BUILA’s press release, from June, the UK government will introduce a traffic light system to assess universities’ compliance with visa rules.
Institutions will need to keep visa rejection rates below 4% to retain a “green” rating. Those placed in the ‘amber’ category will not be allowed to increase their international student numbers, raising concerns about future growth and competitiveness. About half of the universities surveyed expect to receive at least one non-green rating under the new system.Despite tightened internal controls, universities report continuing challenges in processing visa applications.
About 60% said they experienced higher than usual refusal rates from UK Visas and Immigration during January. Additionally, 41% cited delays and issues with scheduling interviews, while more than a third raised concerns about inconsistent or unclear reasons for rejection, even when applicants meet expected criteria.The sector has warned that these trends could deter genuine students and impact the UK’s global standing in higher education.
Andrew Baird, chair of BUILA, said: “The UK already operates one of the toughest student visa compliance regimes in the world, and our members fully support protecting its integrity. But the government continues to change its targets.”He added: “If the new system is introduced as currently proposed, it risks significant damage to the reputation of the world-leading higher education sector. This could deter genuine students from applying.”BUILA has urged the government to improve the proposed system, including using “amber” ratings as a warning rather than an incentive for restrictions, and improving transparency in visa decisions with clearer reasons for refusal and better early warning signals to universities.
