For the first time, the number of Indian students studying in the United Kingdom has surpassed that of Chinese students. According to data released by the UK Home Office, the number of visas granted to Indian students has increased by 273 percent. According to UK immigration statistics compiled by the Office of National Statistics, ONS, Indian students have surpassed Chinese students to become the largest group of students studying in the UK.
According to the Home Office, a total of 1,27,731 visas were granted for Indians to study in the UK by the end of September 2022. “There is an increase of 93,470 (273%) compared to 2019 (34,261),” according to home office data.
According to this report, the number of Chinese nationals, specifically students, has decreased by 2% compared to 2019.
“Chinese nationals were the second-most common nationality granted sponsored study visas in the year ending September 2022, with 116,476 visas granted to main applicants, 2 per cent fewer than the number seen in 2019 (119,231),” stated the report.
UK approved 56,042 work visas
In addition to student visas, the UK has approved 56,042 work visas. Indian nationals account for 36% of all visa holders. The Graduate Route Visa was introduced in the United Kingdom in July 2021. Students would be allowed to stay on and work after finishing their degrees under this plan. According to a UK Home Office report, Indians dominated this scheme as well.
Overall, the Home Office reports that visas for Indians, Nigerians, Pakistanis, and Bangladeshis are three times higher than they were in 2019.
Recently, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the UK-India Young Professionals Scheme. Under this, up to 3,000 visas would be approved annually for Indian students and professionals between 18 and 30 years of age to live and work in the UK for 2 years.
