The United Kingdom has long been a preferred destination for Bangladeshi students pursuing higher education. However, in 2023, the number of Bangladeshi students enrolling in UK institutions saw its sharpest decline in five years, dropping by nearly 39% compared to the previous year.
Data shows that only 9,275 Bangladeshi students went to the UK for higher studies in 2023, a significant fall from 15,234 in 2022. Experts attribute this sharp decline to changes in the UK’s student visa policy, which have made it more difficult for international students to bring their dependents.
A recent British Council study, Transnational Education in Bangladesh, suggests that these numbers may fall further in the coming years. While the UK witnessed a surge in student enrolment from Nepal and Pakistan in 2023—nearly doubling compared to 2022—India and Bangladesh saw a steep decline. The number of Indian students enrolling in UK institutions dropped by 14%, from 139,152 in 2022 to 120,110 in 2023.
In May 2023, the UK government announced new visa regulations to curb ‘visa system abuse’, which took effect in January 2024. Under the new rules, only postgraduate research students and those on government-funded scholarships are allowed to bring dependents. Additionally, restrictions have been imposed on switching from dependent visas to work visas.
Bangladeshi students, most of whom enrol in postgraduate taught programmes, have been particularly affected by these policies. Many have opted for alternative study destinations, citing financial pressure from rising tuition fees, health surcharges, and deposit fees.
The sharp drop in student enrolment poses a challenge to the UK’s higher education sector, which has long benefited from international tuition fees. Experts warn that unless policies become more flexible, students may continue to choose alternative destinations for their higher education.