There has been a lot of talk recently about changes to UK study visas and also other visa types. Some measures have been announced, debated, and changed quite rapidly, and there can never be much certainty about what the changes will actually look like when the dust finally settles. So we decided to go directly to key sources to share some links to reliable information and find out the latest UK student visa information.
One thing that we know for sure is that beginning on 1 January 2024, the majority of international students will no longer be able to bring their dependents (family members) with them to the UK. This is part of the overall drive to reduce the UK's net migration figures. However, you may be able to bring family members if your postgraduate level course starts on or after 1 January 2024, and is either:
a PhD or other doctorate (RQF level 8)
a research-based higher degree
Sources: Adventus.io and monitor.icef.com
This will have a significant negative impact on postgraduate and MBA courses (39% and 25% respectively), while undergraduate courses will be much less affected. This may result in universities focusing more energy on recruiting international undergraduate students, but don't worry, you can still apply for postgraduate courses too. The change will only affect those who hoped to bring family members with them while they studied, so if you plan to go alone there is no change!
Are Students Still Choosing the UK?
Many people are asking about the number of international students going to the UK post-Brexit, and now, post-COVID. What the UK saw in 2022 was:
almost 490,000 international student visas granted
an 81% increase in student visas granted compared to pre-pandemic levels (from 2019)
Top five sending markets for UK study visa grants, 2017–2022. Source: UK Home Office
While figures have yet to be confirmed and released, it is understood that the data for 2023 will show a continuation of the trends outlined above, with record-high numbers of student visa grants expected.
How can I get a Student Visa for the UK?
It is always best to go to official government websites for this information. Below are the links to find out about UK student and graduate visas:
UK Student Visa Overview
UK Student Visa - Dependents
UK Graduate Visa
*ALL INFORMATION ACCURATE AT TIME OF PUBLICATION
If you have any questions or would like to know more about studying abroad, please contact us below or book one of our services at https://www.gondaeducation.com/book-online
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