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  • 6/18/2025
UK student visa applications up 29% in 2025 despite stricter rules In a surprising turn, international student interest in the UK has surged in 2025—even as immigration rules tighten. With the Graduate Route shortened and settlement criteria made more demanding, many expected numbers to drop. Yet, the UK welcomed a 29% spike in student visa applications in the first five months of the year.

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00:00UK student visa applications up 29% in 2025 despite stricter rules.
00:09In a surprising turn, international student interest in the UK has surged in 2025,
00:15even as immigration rules tighten. With the graduate route shortened and settlement criteria
00:23made more demanding, many expected numbers to drop. Yet, the UK welcomed a 29% spike in student visa
00:32applications in the first five months of the year. The full version of this video update is
00:39available on our website. Link mentioned in the description below.
00:59In this video, we examine the dramatic rise in UK student visa applications in 2025,
01:06unpack the key reforms outlined in the UK immigration white paper, and explain how
01:11stricter policies are reducing dependent visas. Watch till the end to fully grasp what these
01:16changes mean for you and your plans to study in the UK.
01:27Let's begin with UK student visa application SOAR in 2025.
01:32Between January and May 2025, 76,400 students applied for study visas to the UK, a 29% rise from the same
01:45period in 2024. Even in May alone, 18,500 applications were filed, up 19% year on year.
01:56This growth came despite recent changes reducing post-study work from two years to 18 months,
02:02under the graduate route. Experts believe the UK's relative stability compared to other countries
02:09continues to make it an attractive destination.
02:14Next, we explore key reforms introduced in the UK immigration white paper.
02:21The new white paper proposes a tougher path to settlement, including extending the settlement
02:27period to 10 years, expanding English language requirements to include dependents,
02:32raising the skills threshold to degree level, and introducing monitoring during the visa period
02:38to ensure ongoing progress. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized fairness, stating that
02:45the updated system balances opportunity with accountability. Moving on to reduce dependent visas reflect stricter policies.
02:57While student numbers are on the rise, applications for dependent visas have dropped sharply,
03:02with only 6,300 submitted between January and May 2025, down from 46,700 during the same period in 2024,
03:14and just 1,100 in May alone. A dramatic fall from 7,802 years earlier.
03:24Finally, we wrap up with the conclusion.
03:26Despite stricter post-study and settlement rules, the UK remains a magnet for ambitious international students.
03:35As the immigration system evolves, those aiming to thrive in Britain must now plan smarter,
03:41prove their skills, and align with the country's long-term goals.
03:45Thanks for joining us today. We'd love to hear your take in the comments. If this video added value,
03:53give it a like and consider subscribing. Until next time!

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