UK remains top choice among international students: survey

A survey by ApplyBoard, released in September, shows that 82% of nearly 400 recruitment professionals worldwide agree that the U.K. remains the most attractive choice for students seeking higher education abroad.

In the first quarter of 2025, the U.K. was especially appealing, buoyed by more welcoming government rhetoric and relative policy stability. According to the survey, 51% of respondents described the U.K. as "very attractive," while 36% chose "attractive." The U.S. followed closely, with 41% of respondents rating it as "very attractive" and 40% as "attractive."

By the third quarter, the U.K. remained the leader, with 45% saying it was "very attractive" and 37% choosing "attractive."

Canada overtook the U.S. as the second most desirable destination for international students.

Further supporting this trend, data from the U.K. Home Office revealed a 16% rise in student visa applications in the second quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year, with nearly 63,000 applications submitted. This marks the third consecutive quarter of growth.

The ApplyBoard survey also showed that 86.9% of respondents felt the U.K. is an open, safe, and welcoming destination for international students in Fall 2025. While this is slightly down from 88.1% in the first quarter, it remains the highest rate compared to other countries, including Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland, and the U.S.

The U.S., traditionally a major contender, saw a decrease in its appeal. Only half of the survey respondents viewed the U.S. as a welcoming destination.

This shift is largely due to increasingly restrictive policies for international students, particularly after President Trump's second inauguration. The most recent change, the introduction of a US$100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions, took effect on Sept. 21, further complicating the process for employers seeking highly educated foreign workers.

The U.K.'s success in attracting international students is largely attributed to its academic excellence, global prestige, and diverse range of programs. According to the QS International Student Survey 2024, nearly half (49%) of prospective students are interested in studying in the U.K. The country's strong reputation for teaching quality and its multicultural environment are key factors driving this interest.

Additionally, the U.K.'s post-study work opportunities remain a major draw. The Graduate Route visa, which allows international students to stay for up to two years after graduation (currently under consideration for a reduction to 18 months), provides an opportunity for students to gain valuable work experience.

The U.K.'s longstanding ties with India have also contributed to its growing appeal, with Indian students making up a significant portion of international enrolments. In the second quarter of 2025, over 15,000 Indian students were granted U.K. study visas, marking a 44% increase from the previous year. As a result, India has become the largest source of international students in the U.K., according to the Home Office.