Nigeria Drops to Fourth in UK Study Visa Issuances for…

Nigeria has dropped to fourth place in UK study visa issuances for international students in 2025, following India, China, and Pakistan. The decline has been attributed to the dependants’ ban and the rise of alternative educational destinations. In 2024, the UK issued significantly fewer study visas, with notable drops from Nigeria and India, while Pakistan’s applications increased, reflecting a changing international education market.

In 2025, Nigeria has fallen to fourth place in the United Kingdom’s study visa issuances for international students, trailing behind India, China, and Pakistan. According to a report from the UK Home Office, significant drops in visa applications were observed for countries including India, Nigeria, and Bangladesh, while China maintained its position as the leading source country for UK education. The rise of alternative educational destinations in Asia and the Middle East, alongside the introduction of the dependants’ ban, are major factors contributing to this decline in demand for UK study visas.

Data indicates that the number of international students’ visa applications and grants for studying in the UK surged towards the end of 2024 but faced challenges as many universities experienced financial difficulties due to dwindling foreign enrolment rates. In 2024, the UK issued a total of 393,125 sponsored study visas to main applicants, representing a 14 percent decrease from 2023. This decline aligns closely with prior predictions regarding international student trends from non-European countries, particularly Nigeria and India.

The latest statistics show that the top ten markets for UK study visas in 2024 featured China (102,940 applicants), India (88,860), Pakistan (35,045), Nigeria (18,900), and the US (15,275). Notably, there was a marked 55 percent reduction in applicants from Nigeria, whereas Pakistan witnessed an increase of 13 percent, leading to a reshuffling of positions where Pakistan overtook Nigeria in the rankings. This trend underscores the significant impact of the dependants’ ban implemented in January 2024, which has restricted most international students from bringing family members during their studies, exacerbating the decline in demand from countries like Nigeria.

Before the dependants’ ban, family accompaniment was a primary attraction for taught master’s programs, spurring their popularity among international students from emerging markets. However, since the policy change, the appeal of these programs has notably decreased. Reports indicate that visas for master’s programs dropped from 66 percent of total applications in 2023 to 61 percent in 2024, further demonstrating the effect of the new regulations. The primary countries for master’s program visas are now India, China, and Pakistan, with Nigerian and Indian students witnessing declines of 55 percent and 26 percent, respectively, in 2024 compared to 2023.

Overall, as the UK grapples with these challenges, the landscape of international student recruitment has shifted markedly with significant implications for its future as a globally competitive education destination.

In summary, Nigeria’s decline to the fourth position in UK study visa issuances reflects broader trends influenced by the dependants’ ban and increasing competition from other educational markets. As international student applications fluctuate, the UK’s education sector faces the pressing challenge of maintaining its attractiveness amidst changing policies and global dynamics. The shifting ranks of student sources, with Pakistan now surpassing Nigeria, further highlight the ongoing transformation in the landscape of international education.

Original Source: businessday.ng