UK student visa applications fell 32% in Jan–Feb 2026 — Jasmine Grover
Author: Jasmine Grover, Education Journalist. Article updated Apr 14, 2026 .
UK main student visa applications for Jan–Feb 2026 totalled 24,000 , down 32% year-on-year, according to Home Office monthly statistics. January 2026 alone had 19,800 applications — the lowest January total since at least 2022 and 31% down on January 2025.
Jasmine Grover — The Numbers
| Metric | Figure | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Jan–Feb 2026 main study visa applications | 24,000 | Down 32% vs Jan–Feb 2025 |
| January 2026 applications | 19,800 | Down 31% vs Jan 2025 |
| Q4 2025 main applicant applications | 43,000 | Down 21% vs Q4 2024 |
| Q4 2025 visa grant rate (all nationalities) | 85% | Down 6 percentage points vs Q4 2024 |
| Indian student visas issued Q4 2025 | 10,495 | Down 27% vs Q4 2024 |
| Indian student grant rate Q4 2025 | 91% | Below 95% BCA threshold |
| Student dependant applications (year ending Jan 2026) | 20,700 | Down 86% vs year ending Dec 2023 |
(Home Office monthly visa statistics published Feb 12, 2026 .)
Jasmine Grover — Why Indian students are being affected
India remains the largest source of UK international students, but the data shows a sharp fall in both applications and dependant filings. The 91% Indian grant rate in Q4 2025 sits four percentage points below the 95% threshold universities must meet under the Basic Compliance Assessment (BCA).
The dependants ban, introduced Jan 2024 , removed the right for most taught postgraduates to bring family members and is reflected in the 86% collapse in dependant applications. Universities now face a compliance regime effective June 2026 that will factor visa refusals into recruitment permissions.
Costs and paperwork tightening
Visa charges rose to £558 from Apr 8, 2026 (up from £490–£524 in 2023). The Immigration Health Surcharge was £1,035 per year in 2024. For a two-year Master's, the visa fee plus IHS now exceeds £2,600 (about ₹3.25 lakh) before tuition and living costs.
Universities are scrutinising Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) recipients more closely. You must show clean financial evidence — avoid recent large deposits and ensure funds clearly cover tuition plus living costs of £1,334/month (London) or £1,023/month (outside London) .
What this means for applicants
Lower application volumes may ease competition at some institutions, especially outside the top tier. But BCA-driven refusal risk makes CAS issuance more selective. You need strong, verifiable finances and a clear academic profile to pass the three gates: offer, CAS, visa.
Quick checklist for applicants
- Confirm whether your course allows dependants (research degrees and some scholarships are exceptions).
- Prepare bank statements showing steady, unencumbered funds.
- Apply early for CAS once your offer is confirmed.
- Budget for the increased visa fee and IHS before travel.