Study Visa: UK sees decline in admissions after ban on Nigeria, overseas students’ dependents
The Home Office of the United Kingdom has officially implemented its policy, unveiled on Monday, prohibiting Nigerian and other overseas students from bringing dependents through the study visa route.
The measure, aimed at curbing migration, exempts only postgraduate research or government-sponsored scholarship students.
Recall that in May 2023, the UK passed a law restricting family dependents for Nigerian students, aligning with its broader goal of reducing immigration.
The new rule also prevents international students from switching to work routes before completing their studies.
Additionally, a review of maintenance requirements for students and dependents, along with a crackdown on unscrupulous education agents exploiting immigration for financial gains, is part of the comprehensive strategy.
The UK Home Office, emphasising its commitment to reducing overall migration and ensuring highly skilled immigration, stated that the move is in line with the International Education Strategy.
The government asserted that these changes will not impact the terms of the graduate route.
However, concerns arise as data for January 2024 intake reveals a significant decline in study visas issued to Nigerians and international students.
Daily African Times gathered that deposit payments, Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), and visa issuance have seen alarming drops, particularly from Nigeria and India.
Enroly Data Insights indicates a 52 per cent drop in deposit payments, a 64 per cent decline in CAS issuance, and a drastic 71 per cent reduction in visa issuance.
The collapse in the Nigerian market is evident, with a 74 per cent decrease in deposits and a 76 per cent decline in CAS/visa issuance.
The decline may also be linked to the Naira’s sudden devaluation, restricting student mobility and access to foreign exchange.
The ban on dependents for UK taught master’s courses further impacts enrolment, with many Nigerian students opting for more migrant-friendly destinations like Canada, Germany, and Australia.
The latest measures, coupled with economic factors, raise questions about the sustainability of UK universities’ admissions and revenues from international students.
The impact on migration and educational strategies remains a topic of concern in the evolving landscape of global education.
