Drop in Gulf student visa applications shows dwindling appetite for UK universities
The number of students from the Gulf choosing to study in the UK has plunged in recent years, most drastically from the UAE, figures show. Student visa application numbers have slumped due to a UK migration clampdown that has restricted visas, as well as concerns over social issues, safety and the quality of education in Britain, experts said. While there was an inevitable drop in numbers caused…
Student visa applications from the Gulf have significantly decreased, with the UAE leading the decline, according to Home Office statistics. Between 2022 and 2025, UAE applications dropped by 59 per cent, falling from 638 to 257 applications. Saudi Arabia also saw a 36 per cent decline in applications, from 5,814 to 5,049 between the same years.
Bahrain experienced a 26 per cent drop, while Qatar saw an approximate 14 per cent reduction. Kuwait, however, saw an 11 per cent increase, while Oman had a slight rise of 2 per cent. Experts attribute the drop to a UK migration clampdown, concerns over social issues, safety, and education quality. The UK has also increased immigration restrictions, Immigration Health Surcharge, and student visa fees, leading to a higher chance of visa refusal.
Additionally, the general salary threshold for skilled worker visas is set to rise, and the discount for graduates will be removed. These changes have made studying in the UK less appealing, especially for students who view a UK degree as an investment towards a career in the country. Concerns over safety, including a recent knife attack in Cambridge, and potential radicalisation on campuses may also contribute to the decline.
Written by urgent.news from The National Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
