Indian Students Lead UK Study Visas in 2025, Overtake China in Sponsored & Graduate Route Numbers

As December 2025 ended, study in UK space shifted dramatically. It tells a very different story. According to the UK Home Office, Indian students have become the largest group of international students in the UK. They receive the highest number of sponsored study visas. They also topped the numbers for post-study work opportunities under the Graduate Route. This update comes amid the UK’s new education policy 2026.

Before Brexit, Europe was seen as fluid but uncertain in terms of long-term career plans. UK redesigned its system to attract skilled, English-speaking, globally mobile talent after 2021 reforms. Indian students responded decisively. As it is evident in the numbers.

Why?

Because study in UK now offers something powerful:
World-class education + clear post-study work rights + structured pathways to skilled employment.

And Indian students are making the most of it.

To streamline entry of Indian students, Cambridge University also plans to admit Indian applicants by CBSE Class 12 qualifications. UK and India also moving towards free trade agreements. Because Global Free Trade Agreements are Transforming Higher Education Choices Worldwide

Related Reads: Record Number of Indian Students in Ireland Reaches 13,000 Last Year

Indian Students Lead in UK Study Visas

What the official data shows:

• 95,231 sponsored study visas were granted to Indian students.
• 23% of all sponsored study visas were for Indians.
• China became the second with 89,019 visas.
• Indian student numbers rose by 3%.
• Chinese numbers fell by 7% year-on-year.

Read More: Study MBA in UK Without Work Experience

Sponsored Study Visas (Year Ending December 2025)

Let’s compare between Indian and China in terms of UK visas:

UK Visa numbers across categories (Source: UK Home Office Immigration Statistics)

Low Refusal Rate for Indian Study Visa Applications

The data showed one more noteworthy story. The low rejection rate of UK visas.

• Indian study visa refusal rate: 4%.
• This is lower than the double-digit refusal rates seen for Pakistan and Nigeria.

Indians Dominate Graduate Route Extensions

Indian students topped the list in post-study work visas.

What is the Graduate Route?

Through the Graduate Route, international students can:

• Stay in the UK for 2 years after completing degree
• Stay for 3 years if they have a PhD

However:

Overall, Graduate Route extension grants in UK fell by 6% in 2025.

Skilled Worker Visas: Indians Lead Again

Indians secured the highest number of skilled worker extensions in work visas.

• 90,031 Skilled Worker extensions were given to Indians.
• Pakistan: 16,098
• Nigeria: 12,485

Indian diaspora in UK is transitioning into high-skilled employment roles. The median salary for Indians rose to £38,700. 

Impact of Dependent Visa Restrictions

Dependent visas fell drastically:

• In a January 2024 rule change, most international students were restricted from bringing family members.
• Indian students' dependent visa numbers declined by 80%.
• The effect was seen in the total migration figures.

Why This Matters for Study Abroad Aspirants

Study in UK continues to be one of the most preferred destinations for Indian students. Why an European education is garnbering traction in India?

• Strong post-study work options
• Competitive skilled worker salaries
• Lower refusal rates
• Clear immigration paths

Universities in UK are also consistently working to expand their involvement in attracting international students.

The Bigger Picture

We observe a clear trend in the latest UK Home Office data. Indian students are reshaping the global study abroad landscape not just because they are the biggest market but because they possess the competence to do so. India has now overtaken China and Pakistan and has become the largest contributor in UK’s international student population.

The numbers do not just prove UK as a valuable decision but they also validate it.