Indian student enrollment in the UK soared in 2023 by 273.9% from 2019: Is the Graduate Route Visa driving the surge?
The Education Ministry informed the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday that the number of Indian students studying abroad has increased by 52.2% over the past five years. Of the 892,989 Indian students abroad, the largest number were in the United States (234,473 students), followed by Canada (233,532) and the United Kingdom (136,921). According to the ministry’s data, the number of Indian students opting to study abroad has steadily increased since 2019, except for 2020 due to travel restrictions imposed globally amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
While the US hosts the largest number of Indian students, the United Kingdom saw the most significant growth, with Indian student enrollment increasing by 273.9%, from 36,612 in 2019 to 136,921 in 2023.
What is behind the surge in Indian student enrollment in the UK?
The surge can be attributed to several key factors, notably the UK’s top-tier universities and the Graduate Route Visa.
The UK is home to some of the world’s leading universities. Imperial College London ranks 2nd globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025, followed by the University of Oxford at 3rd and the University of Cambridge at 5th. Prestigious institutions like UCL, ranked 9th globally, further contribute to the UK’s appeal. Many other UK universities also feature in the top 50 of the QS rankings, making the country an attractive destination for students worldwide.
However, the Graduate Route Visa has played a crucial role in this surge. Introduced in July 2021, the Graduate Route Visa allows international students to stay in the UK for up to two years after completing their undergraduate or postgraduate degrees, and up to three years for PhD graduates. This visa allows graduates to work, freelance, pursue further education, or apply for a ‘skilled worker’ visa if they secure employment in the UK. Although there were debates in May 2024 about potential restrictions on post-study visas, the scheme remains a vital pathway for students.
The Graduate Route Visa has been particularly beneficial for Indian students, who accounted for 42% of the total Graduate Route visas issued between 2021 and 2023. It provides work opportunities and the ability to bring families to the UK, making it one of the most popular visas among Indian students.
Moreover, Indian students have become a significant part of the UK’s international student population. According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), Indian student enrollment in the UK increased by 39% in the 2022–23 academic year, reaching 173,190 students. This surge made India the leading source of non-European Union students, surpassing China for the first time since 2018.
In 2023, over 16,185 student visas were issued to Indian nationals between April and June, aligning with the UK’s goal of hosting 600,000 international students by 2030, as reported by ICEF Monitor.
Key initiatives by the UK government for attracting Indian students:
The UK government has implemented several key initiatives to attract Indian students, creating opportunities for academic growth and post-study success. These measures, including the Graduate Route Visa and the India-UK Mutual Recognition of Qualifications, are contributing to the rising number of Indian students choosing the UK as their destination for higher education.
UK Graduate Route for Indian students: The UK’s Graduate Route Visa allows Indian students to stay for up to two years after completing their studies, or three years for PhD holders. This programme offers valuable work experience in the UK job market, enhancing global career prospects.
India-UK Mutual Recognition of Qualifications: The India-UK Mutual Recognition of Qualifications (MRQ) agreement, signed on July 21, 2022, allows mutual recognition of higher education qualifications. It eases educational transitions and improves career prospects for students from both countries. The MRQ framework also aligns with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, promoting dual-degree programs and joint research opportunities, strengthening educational ties between India and the UK.
India-UK Achievers Honours and Alumni Recognition: The India-UK Achievers Honours, led by organisations such as the British Council, celebrates the achievements of Indian students and alumni from UK institutions. By highlighting success stories, it showcases the long-term career benefits of a UK education, inspiring future students.
This combination of high-quality education, post-study work opportunities, and strong bilateral agreements has made the UK an increasingly attractive destination for Indian students.
