BUILA Annual Recruitment Data Released

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release
11th December 2025

New enrolment figures show the number of overseas students starting postgraduate courses in September 2025 has fallen from last year, continuing a downward trend.

Of 69 universities responding to a survey from the British Universities International Liaison Association (BUILA) in November, 61% reported a decrease in postgraduate enrolments from international students starting their courses in September 2025-26 compared with the previous year. Overall, enrolments from overseas students are down six per cent. 

Although the decline in international students is not as steep as last year, it adds to already reduced international numbers. In November 2024, 80% of universities reported lower international postgraduate enrolments, with a 20% decrease overall. 

Home Office figures show that the total number of study visas issued has fallen each year since 2022. 

Respondents spanned institutions across the higher education sector, from post-1992 establishments to the Russell Group. 
The steepest declines were from China, with 80% of universities reporting enrolment drops averaging 17%, and India, where 63% of institutions saw an average fall of nine per cent. 

Whilst overall international student numbers have fallen, half of the institutions surveyed reported an increase in postgraduate enrolments from the EU, averaging a 13% rise. In addition, 71% of institutions saw higher enrolments from the USA, with an average increase of 19%.
Commenting on the figures, Andrew Bird, Chair of BUILA, said: 

“Universities across the board continue to operate in a very uncertain environment, seeing their international student numbers fall as recent policy changes take effect. 

“Institutions are working hard to recruit students from diverse countries to support the internationalisation agenda and offer broad programmes for both UK and overseas leaners. With global competition intensifying, the Government must act to protect the UK’s reputation as a world-leading study destination while balancing its immigration agenda. 

“With measures like the international student levy and tighter recruitment rules still to come, we urge the Government to deliver a much-needed period of stability for the sector.”

• The British Universities’ International Liaison Association (BUILA) is a UK-wide, membership-led organisation supporting the work and professional interests of staff working in international recruitment at 149 UK Higher Educational institutions.
• It surveyed members in October and November 2025 and received 69 responses. This is broken down by mission group as follows: Million Plus (4), Russell Group (23), The Cathedrals Group (1), University Alliance (7), Unaffiliated (29), GuildHE (4).
• Figures from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) show that overseas students accounted for 71% of full-time postgraduate students in the UK in 2023-24, compared with just 16% of full-time undergraduate students. Across all student enrolments, international students accounted for 25% in the 2023-24 academic year. Available at figure 8 here: https://www.hesa.ac.uk/news/20-03-2025/sb271-higher-education-student-statistics/location
• Home Office statistics on study visas are available at: Entry clearance visas summary tables, year ending September 2025. Study visas peaked in 2022 and have declined each year since.
• For further information please contact Mia Briggs on [email protected]