LONDON: The number of Indian students applying for undergraduate degrees in Britain has fallen as they are getting put off by the high cost of living, accommodation shortages and negative govt rhetoric.
Figures released Thursday by UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service), which handles admissions to full-time undergraduate education, show that for the first time since at least 2008, the number of Indian students applying to undergraduate degrees has fallen.
In 2023, 9,130 Indians applied by the Jan 31 cut-off point, but in 2024 only 8,770 had.
There has also been a decrease in applicants from Nigeria (-45%) and Pakistan (-10%). The highest increases are from Turkey (+38%), Canada (+14%) and China (+3%).
The overall number of international students for undergraduate places has increased by just 0.7%, with 115,730 students applying by the Jan deadline for Sept 2024 entry, compared to 114,910 the previous year.
Amit Tiwari, president of Indian National Students Association UK, blamed the strong pound and high cost of living in UK for putting off Indians. There are major accommodation shortages. I have heard of 10 Indian students sharing a room,” he said. “Very few undergraduates are also finding permanent jobs after they graduate. The glossy brochures are not matching the reality,” he added.
Sanam Arora, founder and chair of National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK, blamed the decrease on recent changes that are creating a perception of UK as not wanting international students.
Figures released Thursday by UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service), which handles admissions to full-time undergraduate education, show that for the first time since at least 2008, the number of Indian students applying to undergraduate degrees has fallen.
In 2023, 9,130 Indians applied by the Jan 31 cut-off point, but in 2024 only 8,770 had.
There has also been a decrease in applicants from Nigeria (-45%) and Pakistan (-10%). The highest increases are from Turkey (+38%), Canada (+14%) and China (+3%).
The overall number of international students for undergraduate places has increased by just 0.7%, with 115,730 students applying by the Jan deadline for Sept 2024 entry, compared to 114,910 the previous year.
Amit Tiwari, president of Indian National Students Association UK, blamed the strong pound and high cost of living in UK for putting off Indians. There are major accommodation shortages. I have heard of 10 Indian students sharing a room,” he said. “Very few undergraduates are also finding permanent jobs after they graduate. The glossy brochures are not matching the reality,” he added.
Sanam Arora, founder and chair of National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK, blamed the decrease on recent changes that are creating a perception of UK as not wanting international students.