Prospective international students appear to have become less confident about their job prospects in the UK ahead of the graduate visa duration being shortened, with fewer planning to apply to universities in the next six months, according to the latest figures.

International undergraduate and master’s students who apply to study in the UK after 1 January 2027 will no longer be eligible for a two-year post-study visa and will instead be limited to an 18-month visa.

Although many in the sector were relieved that Labour avoided axing the route completely last year, there are indications that the reduction is dampening international demand.

International recruitment giant IDP told Times Higher Education that the UK “now has the lowest proportion of students planning to apply within six months compared to other major destinations”.��

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“The effects of these changes in policy are well and truly here,” said Rachel MacSween, IDP’s director of partnerships and stakeholder engagement.��

“While we don’t yet have the full picture on applications, we know students are sensitive to visa uncertainty and many are making decisions earlier in the cycle to feel secure.”

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Student sentiment data from IDP shows that since 2023 there has been a drop in how prospective and current international students rate the UK for graduate job prospects and post‑study work policies.

In August 2025, the country fell to the bottom of the list below Australia, the USA, New Zealand, Canada and Ireland.

“These shifts matter: post‑study employment remains one of the biggest factors in where students choose to study,” said MacSween.��

“Students now have more choice than ever. Eight in 10 are comparing multiple destinations, meaning even small policy changes can quickly move demand elsewhere.”

Study visa applications are also at their lowest level in four years, with 19,800 people applying for main applicant visas in January 2026.

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Prior to this, in 2024-25, the total number of overseas students at UK universities fell 6 per cent to 685,565.

Visa processing delays and unusual rejection trends are compounding the issues for cash-strapped universities.��

The home secretary also announced a study visa ban for students from four countries – a move that has been reported in the press globally.

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“With the recent announcement of the suspension of visa issuance to people from four countries, it is clear that study visas are still under the microscope for the government,” said Mark Ovens, business unit director at online course comparison site Studyportals.

However, Ovens was more confident about international demand, saying the organisation had seen “greater student interest for the UK”.

“That could also be influenced by other geopolitical events,” he said. “As always, what would be most helpful for the market is a period of consistency where students can be confident that the legislation isn’t going to be amended further.”

MacSween agreed: “Clear, stable policy signals will be essential to maintain confidence and avoid a potential decline in interest from 2027.”

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helen.packer@timeshighereducation.com