Non-UK domicile students enrolled in UK higher education. Grew 67% from 438K (2015/16) to 732K (2023/24).
Source: HESA Student Statistics (academic years ending in year shown)
Sponsored study visas issued. Peaked at 467K in 2022 before tightening.
India surged from 18K (2018) to 138K (2022) then fell back. China stable at ~100K.
Post-study work visa launched July 2021. India accounts for ~46% of grants.
Home Office data: visas granted for sponsored study (Tier 4 / Student Route). Sharp rebound after COVID, peak in 2022, decline since.
Source: UK Home Office Immigration System Statistics (year ending September 2025)
Top 10 countries by total over the period. China dominated early, India became #1 in 2022-23, Nigeria saw the steepest decline after the 2024 dependant ban.
Masters dominates the UK student-visa pipeline — UK 1-year masters programmes are the primary front door.
South Asia (mainly India + Pakistan) has overtaken East Asia (mainly China) as the largest source region.
| Metric | US | UK | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| International students | ~1.1M | 732K | 996K |
| Top source: India | ~331K | 166K | 393K |
| Top source: China | ~267K | 150K | 100K |
| Post-study work visa | OPT (12-36mo) | Graduate Route (2yr) | PGWP (1-3yr) |
| Trend (2024) | Declining | -3.5% | -4% |