UK student visas for Indians up by 164% in 24 months

Despite the pandemic, as many as 98,74 Indians received UK student visas in 2021 compared to 37,396 visas granted in 2019. The rise was a steep rise of 164% in the sponsored study visas granted to Indian students by the UK government. In 2020, this number stood at 52,010, a 90% increase from the previous year. Also, the UK welcomed a total of 416,000 international students in 2021. India was only second to China and was followed by Nigeria and Pakistan in terms of student visas. 

Immigration experts stated the reintroduction of a post-study visa process enabling graduates to stay back in the UK for a minimum of two years post-study completion as one of the factors that drove this rise. Another factor contributing to the surge is sponsored study visa grants that offer financial aid to international students applying to UK universities. 

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Meanwhile, UK prime minister Borris Johnson, who was recently on a 2-day visit to India, told reporters that he has always supported the idea of talented individuals coming to the UK. The top post-Brexit priority of Britain is to establish trade relations with India, and any trade deal between UK and India will most likely result in relaxed rules and reduced fees for Indian students.