Indian students have a new favourite study abroad destination

India has retained its position as the United Kingdom’s largest source of international students, according to a report by ApplyBoard. More than 15,000 Indian students received UK study visas in the last quarter, Q2, marking a 44% increase compared to the same period last year.

The figures show India now accounts for nearly double the number of visas issued to the next largest student population. Indian applicants also achieved a 96% grant rate, making them the most reliable student group for UK institutions at a time when the government is preparing tighter compliance rules under its 2025 immigration White Paper.

According to the ApplyBoard report, broader trends are observed in international student mobility to the UK. Nearly 63,000 students applied for visas in Q2 2025, representing a 16% year-on-year rise. Of these, more than 56,000 were approved, a 24% increase compared to Q2 2024. However, refusal rates stood at 9%, three times higher than a year earlier, reflecting increased scrutiny of applications.


For Indian students, the latest growth signals a recovery after demand for overseas education dipped across major English-speaking destinations in 2024. The UK continues to attract Indian applicants due to a mix of career-focused academic programmes, post-study work opportunities, and the global reputation of its universities.

Beyond India, student demand also climbed across South Asia in Q2 2025. Nepal recorded the highest increase, issuing nearly four times more main applicant study visas compared to Q2 2024.