UK varsities' funding hit as foreign students go elsewhere

LONDON - UK universities are among the most prestigious in the world, but visa restrictions mean they are now attracting fewer international students, taking a heavy toll on their finances.

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The restrictions are compounding problems caused by the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union in 2020.

Almost 760,000 foreign students were enrolled in British universities in 2022, making Britain the second most popular destination after the United States, in a highly competitive market.

Most come from India, then China and Nigeria.

But in 2023, the number of student visas fell by 5 per cent. Between July and September, student visa applications slumped 16 per cent against the same period in 2023. The decline is a major cause of concern for higher education institutions since foreign students pay far more in fees than British students.

Mr Leo Xui, a 20-year-old from China, began studying population and health sciences at University College London in September. "It's good for my career," he said of enrolling abroad. Thinking ahead to when he will return to China, he added: "I will be able to apply for a foreign company."

His fees for the academic year are £31,000 (S$53,000). British students attending universities in England have paid a maximum of £9,250 since 2017.