The number of study-related visa applications received by the United Kingdom has risen for the first time in over a year, indicating a slow recovery in international student enrolment.

The UK Home Office data reveals a 13 per cent increase in sponsored study visa applications in January 2025 compared to the same month in 2024, with 28,700 applications submitted. This also represents a seven per cent rise over January 2023 levels.

The rebound follows a previous decline triggered by 2024 restrictions that barred most family members of international students from accompanying them. While overall study visa applications have grown, applications from dependents remain low, with only 2,300 recorded in January 2025 — down from 3,400 in January 2024 and significantly below the 17,500 recorded in January 2023.

This marks the first year-on-year monthly increase in study visa applications since October 2023. However, despite the recent rise, the total number of applications in the 12 months leading up to January 2025 was 4,11,100, reflecting a 13 per cent decline from the previous year. Applications from dependents plummeted by 84 per cent during the same period.

The policy limiting dependents, introduced under former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, allows family members to join only those enrolled in postgraduate research programmes. Although UK universities have faced financial difficulties due to reduced revenues from students, the Labour government has maintained the restriction.