UAE Student Visa Applications to UK Drop 59%, Reflecting Broader Gulf Trend
Student visa applications from the UAE to the UK fell by 59% between 2022 and 2025, from 638 to 257, according to UK Home Office statistics cited by The National.
The number of student visa applications from the UAE to the United Kingdom saw a significant decrease of 59% from 2022 to 2025, dropping from 638 to 257. In 2025 alone, there was a 36% decline compared to the previous year.
This trend is not isolated to the UAE, with other Gulf nations also experiencing reductions. Applications from Saudi Arabia decreased by 13% (from 5,814 to 5,049) between 2023 and 2025, Bahrain saw a 26% drop (from 545 to 403), and Qatar experienced approximately a 14% decline (from 1,056 to 910).
Exceptions to the Trend
Kuwait and Oman were notable exceptions, showing an increase in applications. Kuwait's applications rose by 11% from 4,499 in 2023 to 5,034 in 2025, while Oman saw a slight increase from 996 to 1,018.
Factors Contributing to the Decline
Representatives from the higher education sector attribute this decline, in part, to stricter British migration policies. Many international students view UK studies as a pathway to a career, but upcoming changes will reduce the post-study work period for graduates from two years to 18 months.
Additional factors include:
- Increased immigration health surcharge costs.
- Higher student visa fees.
- A greater likelihood of visa refusals.
Further policy changes outlined in the government's immigration White Paper indicate plans to raise the general salary threshold for skilled worker visas and abolish the preferential threshold for graduates, potentially impacting future application numbers.
Questions, answered
- What was the percentage decrease in UK student visa applications from the UAE?
- Between 2022 and 2025, student visa applications from the UAE to the UK decreased by 59%, falling from 638 to 257.
- Which other Gulf countries saw a decline in UK student visa applications?
- Saudi Arabia experienced a 13% decrease, Bahrain a 26% decrease, and Qatar approximately a 14% decrease in applications between 2023 and 2025.
- Which Gulf countries saw an increase in UK student visa applications?
- Kuwait saw an 11% increase in applications (from 4,499 to 5,034) between 2023 and 2025, and Oman's applications increased from 996 to 1,018.
- What changes are being made to post-study work visas in the UK?
- From next year, graduates will have 18 months to find work after completing their studies, reduced from the previous two years.
- What other factors are contributing to the decline in UK student visas?
- Increased immigration health surcharge and student visa costs, a higher likelihood of visa refusal, and plans to raise the skilled worker visa salary threshold and abolish the preferential threshold for graduates are contributing factors.
This brief was summarised and rewritten by Gaia Living from public reporting. Figures and details reflect the original sources.
More in Residency
- ResidencyAbu Dhabi Government Clarifies Family Sponsorship Rules for Property Owner Visa
- ResidencyCitizenSure Launches Spanish Freelance and Digital Nomad Visa Services in Dubai
- ResidencyDubai Unveils Eight Key Visa Updates for 2026, Enhancing Residency Pathways
- ResidencyVisa Report: 96% of UAE SMEs Use Digital Payments, Integration Challenges Remain