According to fresh government statistics, applications for UK student visas and renewals increased by over 30% in Q3 2022 to a total of 316,735 compared to the same period in 2021, persuading more and more students to study in the UK. Reports have consecutively pointed towards the UK being fastest with its visa processing pushing more and more students to shortlist finest study abroad solutions found in the country.
The most recent quarter for which data is available for 2022 saw close to 80,000 more applications for visas and extensions that included confirmation of admission for study than Q3 2021, when the UK received 237,563 such applications. Comparatively to the 356,559 study visa applications it received in the year to Q3 2021, the UK received 462,660 applications with CAS in the year to Q3 2022 (excluding extension requests).
The UK has been one of the most popular study abroad destinations due to its quality of education and mass employment opportunities the country generates. A degree from the top UK university will do wonders on your resume and attract every top employer towards you. According to a Universities UK spokesperson, “The UK has witnessed phenomenal interest and growth in recent years from international students, which is testament to the reputation and strength of our higher education sector, as well as the role of government and the sector working together to achieve the goals set forth in the International Education Strategy.”
According to UUK, the most recent data “captures the first cohort of Graduate Route applications and demonstrates considerable interest in the new visa, which is generally in line with what the government had forecast/expected.” 17,275 graduate route visas were awarded in Q3 2022 compared to 12,213 in Q3 2021.
According to UUK, “the introduction of the Graduate route has also played a major part in aligning the UK with our foreign competitors and helping to make the country a more desirable study destination.” More students who had been studying virtually during the coronavirus pandemic came to the UK. The bulk of the remaining 39% of students received extra visas or visa extensions and are likely to have left in later years, the statement continued.