For The First Time, India Has Sent More Students To The UK Than China

India has now sent more students to study in the United Kingdom than any other nationality, according to today’s Immigration Statistics Report. The report shows an increase in study visas for Indians compared to the pre-pandemic years.

The statistics show that in the year ending June 2022, there were 486,868 Sponsored study visas granted. This is a massive increase from the 202,147 granted in 2019. The report attributes this increase to “both a recovery from lower numbers during the Covid-19 pandemic and an increase in the pre-pandemic period.”

The number of Sponsored study visas granted in the year ending June 2022 is significantly higher than any other year since this time series began in 2005. The number of student visas granted in 2022 is almost double that of the previous highest number granted in 2010. This surge in international students coming to study in the UK is likely due to the UK’s world-renowned educational institutions and the opportunities they offer.

There was a steady increase in sponsored study grants from September 2018 to March 2020, peaking at almost 3 lakh. However, this was followed by a sharp decrease due to the pandemic, with September 2020 recording the lowest number of granted visas. The report indicates that the numbers have since recovered and reached a new high of 486,868 in the year ending March 2022.

The UK has seen a rise in the number of Indian students choosing to study there, coinciding with the rollout of reforms outlined in the National Education Policy, 2020. The goal of these reforms is to retain talent within India. The government is taking steps to invite reputed global universities to set up campuses here, as well as improve the standards of domestic educational institutions.