In 2025, Nigeria has dropped to fourth place in the UK’s international student market behind India, China, and Pakistan, due to a 14 percent decline in sponsored study visas. The decline is attributed to the dependants’ ban implemented in 2024, which significantly impacted student enrollment and preferences for master’s programs. Current data shows a sharp decrease in visa applications, particularly from Nigeria and India.
In 2025, Nigeria has fallen to fourth place in the UK’s international student market, trailing behind India, China, and Pakistan in the issuance of sponsored study visas. Recent data from the UK’s Home Office indicates a significant drop in visa applications and grants for Nigerian students, highlighting the impact of the so-called dependants’ ban which has affected student enrollment negatively in the UK.
Sponsored study visa issuances for international students in the UK decreased by 14 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year, with a total of 393,125 visas issued. This sharp decline aligns closely with predictions made in previous analyses, particularly concerning non-European countries, including Nigeria. Reports suggest the dependant-to-main-applicant ratio for Nigerian students was significantly higher than that of Chinese students, affecting overall demand.
The data for 2024 reveals a shift in student markets, with China leading with 102,940 visas issued, followed by India with 88,860 and Pakistan with 35,045. Nigeria issued 18,900 visas, representing a drastic -55 percent decrease. Meanwhile, Pakistan experienced a surprising 13 percent increase in demand, elevating it to the UK’s third-largest student market.
The study emphasizes the influence of the dependants’ ban enacted in January 2024, which restricts most international students from bringing their families to the UK. Prior to this rule, many students from emerging markets favored UK universities for their ability to support families, particularly in taught master’s programs, which have since lost popularity as a result.
Consequently, the share of study visa applications for master’s programs has declined from 66 percent in 2023 to 61 percent in 2024, with the leading countries for master’s visa issuances being India, China, and Pakistan. The issuance of dependant visas plummeted by 84 percent, marking a notable trend in the shifting preferences of international students, particularly affecting those from Nigeria and India.
The decline of Nigeria in the UK’s international student market, now positioned fourth, reflects the significant impact of new immigration policies, particularly the dependants’ ban. The changing dynamics in student preference, alongside overall declines in visa issuances, highlight challenges faced by UK universities in attracting international students. As the landscape continues to shift, it remains vital for educational institutions to adapt to the evolving needs and expectations of prospective students.
Original Source: businessday.ng
