April 14, 2025: Despite policy shifts and economic uncertainties, the United Kingdom is still one of the top choices for international students. According to a February 2025 report by ICEF Monitor, study visa applications to the UK rose to 28,700 in January 2025 – a 13% increase from January 2024. This is the first time since October 2023 that visa applications have grown compared to the previous year, showing that student interest is picking up again.
This rise is happening despite a series of policy changes and rising costs. In January 2024, the UK government introduced new rules that only allow postgraduate research or government-funded students to bring dependents. This led to a big drop in dependent visa applications from 17,500 in January 2023 to just 2,300 in January 2025. And now, with visa application fees rising by 13% from April 2025, the education budget might need even more careful planning.
These shifting policies may impact future application numbers as students adjust to the new financial and procedural requirements. But, the historical trends suggest that the UK’s appeal remains strong.
“The UK continues to be a key destination for students worldwide,” said Sonal Kapoor, Global Chief Business Officer at Prodigy Finance. “Even with rising costs and changing visa rules, students are not giving up on their dreams. At Prodigy Finance, we’re proud to support them by offering fair and flexible loans, no matter where they come from.”
At the same time, some UK universities are also stepping in to ease the financial burden. Several Prodigy Finance supported institutions, including Aston University, Brunel University, Bangor University, De Montfort University, University of Aberdeen, University of East Anglia, University of Greenwich, University of Hull, University of Leeds, University of Reading, and Kingston University, have waived the upfront CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) deposit requirement for students with approved education loans from Prodigy Finance. This move helps reduce the strain during one of the most financially demanding stages of the admission process.
Indian students, in particular, continue to represent one of the largest non-EU cohorts in the UK. As education costs rise, more students are comparing universities not just by rankings but also by post-study opportunities and financial flexibility. Support systems like scholarship programs, co-signer loan options with lower APRs (Annual Percentage Rate), and timely university partnerships are playing a key role in helping them manage the transition.
In this evolving environment, having the right financial support makes a big difference. Prodigy Finance is helping students from all over the world by offering loans based on future earning potential rather than traditional credit history or local guarantors. This support gives students the confidence to chase their goals even when the rules and costs keep changing. As students and universities adapt to changing policies and rising costs, support systems like these are helping keep the UK a top destination for global talent.