Nepali students lead UK visa surge

Nepali students have emerged as the fastest-growing student population in the United Kingdom, according to a recent report by ApplyBoard, an international student mobility platform, based on data from the UK Home Office.

For the year ending March 2024, the UK Home Office granted over 446,000 study visas to main applicants, a 6.2 percent decrease from the previous year. However, the number of visas issued to Nepali students increased dramatically. A total of 9,003 visas were issued to Nepali students, marking a 70.1 percent rise compared to the same period in 2023. This surge propels Nepal to the forefront of the UK’s international student market, surpassing several major countries and moving from the seventh fastest-growing country in 2023 to the fastest-growing source country in 2024.

Unlike many other countries, Nepal’s growth appears unaffected by recent UK policy changes concerning dependents or postgraduate work programs. This stability is a significant factor contributing to the increasing number of Nepali students choosing the UK for their higher education.

Nepal’s student-age population (16-25 years old) is over 6.5m, representing 21 percent of its total population. “This demographic presents a high growth potential, making Nepal an exciting prospect for the UK’s international education sector,” says ApplyBoard. “The report sheds light on the dynamic nature of international student mobility and emphasizes the significance of Nepal in the global education landscape. With ongoing stability and high growth potential, Nepal is undoubtedly a market to watch closely in the coming years.”