A new survey indicates that most international students are now less inclined to study in the UK following the government's proposal to tighten restrictions on the graduate route. Universities have cautioned that shortening the post-study work visa from two years to 18 months would weaken their ability to attract international students and further strain financial stability.

A survey conducted by Keystone Education Group of over 400 prospective international master’s students found that nearly half were already aware of the proposed changes. Indeed, upon learning about the plans, 58% of respondents said it would make them less likely to choose the UK for their studies, 37% somewhat less likely and 21% much less likely.

However, Keystone noted that this reaction was less severe compared to earlier surveys. Last year, during the Migration Advisory Committee’s review of the visa, 43% of respondents said they would be much less likely to study in the UK if the post-study work visa was reduced to six months, and 30% if it was cut to 12 months.

Mark Bennett, Keystone’s vice-president of research and insight, commented that the overall outlook remains positive, with interest in studying in the UK significantly higher than in 2024. “Student perception of policy can be as important as the policy itself. It isn’t the case that international students in the UK will face stricter language requirements, pay higher fees or lose access to post-study work,” he said. “But a misdirected reader might assume all these things, or worse, from a misunderstanding of these proposals.”

Some good news for UK universities?

Separate data from Studyportals may offer some reassurance to UK universities concerned about potential graduate visa restrictions.

The platform reported that page views for degree programs in the US have dropped by 50% over just four months, reaching their lowest point since the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

From January to the end of April, the US saw a 30% decline in its market share, with the UK and Australia poised to gain the most from this decrease.

International students and their families prioritise predictability and stability when deciding where to pursue their education. Recent moves by the US government have understandably undermined confidence in the country, highlighting that government policies can have significant consequences, according to the executive director and chief executive of Nafsa: Association of International Educators, Fanta Aw.

The data also reveals a 63% surge in interest from US students in studying in Ireland during the first quarter of the year.