Indian Students Second Among Record UK University Applicants

New data from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service shows a 30% increase in undergraduate applications from Indian students compared to the previous year. The surge comes as overall international applications to UK universities reached an all-time high.

India now accounts for the second-largest cohort of overseas applicants, trailing only China. The growth reflects sustained demand for UK higher education despite recent policy changes that have tightened visa regulations for international students.

The UK government has introduced restrictions on dependents accompanying student visa holders and raised salary thresholds for post-study work visas. These measures have not deterred Indian applicants, who continue to view UK degrees as a pathway to global careers.

UCAS data indicates that Indian applicants are concentrated in STEM fields, particularly engineering and computer science. Universities have responded by expanding recruitment efforts in India, including partnerships with local institutions and increased scholarship offerings.