The UK’s revised student visa policies, effective March 2026, restrict dependents and post-study work rights, significantly impacting Indian students’ plans and reshaping global education trends.
London, February 28, 2026 — The United Kingdom has announced sweeping changes to its student visa policies, set to take effect from March 2026, sparking concern among Indian students and education stakeholders worldwide. The new rules, unveiled by the UK Home Office this week, restrict the ability of international students to bring dependents and tighten post-study work rights, aiming to curb net migration numbers.
According to the UK Home Office, the new policy prohibits most international students, except for those in postgraduate research programs, from bringing family members as dependents. The move follows record-high migration figures in 2025, with over 1.1 million arrivals, a significant portion attributed to student visas and their dependents (BBC, 2026).
The UK government has also revised the Graduate Route, which previously allowed international graduates to work for up to two years post-study. From March 2026, only graduates from select STEM and critical skill programs will be eligible for the two-year post-study work visa, while others will be limited to six months (The Times, 2026).
Background: Surge in Indian Student Enrollments
Indian students have become the largest cohort of international students in the UK, surpassing Chinese students in 2025, according to data from the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA). Over 140,000 Indian students were granted UK study visas in 2025, a 35% increase from the previous year (UKCISA, 2026).
The surge has been attributed to the UK’s previously liberal post-study work policies and the global reputation of British universities. Education consultants in India report that the ability to bring dependents was a major factor for many students, especially those pursuing master’s programs (The Economic Times, 2026).
Key Details of the New Visa Rules
Under the new rules, only students enrolled in PhD or other research-based postgraduate programs can bring spouses and children as dependents. Taught master’s and undergraduate students are no longer eligible to do so, a reversal of the policy introduced in 2021.
The Graduate Route, launched in 2021, will now be restricted to graduates from government-designated programs in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and healthcare. Students in business, humanities, and social sciences will face a reduced post-study work period of six months, after which they must secure a skilled worker visa or leave the UK.
The Home Office has justified the changes as necessary to “protect the integrity of the student visa system” and ensure that migration is “skilled and beneficial to the UK economy” (UK Home Office, 2026).
Impact on Indian Students and Universities
Indian students and their families have expressed disappointment and uncertainty. According to the National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK (NISAU), applications for September 2026 intake could drop by up to 25% if the rules are enforced as planned (NISAU, 2026).
UK universities, heavily reliant on international tuition fees, have warned of financial repercussions. The Russell Group, representing top UK universities, estimates a potential loss of £1.2 billion in annual revenue if Indian student numbers decline sharply (The Guardian, 2026).
Education agents in India are already reporting a spike in inquiries about alternative destinations such as Canada, Australia, and Ireland, which continue to offer more flexible work and dependent visa policies (Hindustan Times, 2026).
Analysis: Global Competition for International Students
The UK’s move comes amid a global race to attract international students, who contributed £41.9 billion to the UK economy in 2024 (Universities UK International, 2025). Competing countries have responded by easing visa restrictions and expanding post-study work opportunities.
Canada, for example, extended its post-graduation work permit to three years for all international graduates in 2025. Australia has similarly relaxed work hour limits and introduced new pathways to permanent residency for skilled graduates (Australian Department of Home Affairs, 2026).
Experts warn that the UK’s policy shift could erode its competitive edge. “International students have choices, and visa policies are a critical factor,” said Dr. Rajiv Menon, an education policy analyst, in an interview with The Hindu (2026).
What’s Next: Policy Review and Student Decisions
The UK government has indicated that the new rules will be reviewed after one year, based on migration data and economic impact. Meanwhile, Indian students are reassessing their plans, with many considering deferring applications or switching to other countries.
Education consultants advise prospective students to closely monitor embassy updates and university communications. Universities are lobbying for exceptions and transitional arrangements for current applicants, but no concessions have been announced as of February 28, 2026.
The evolving visa landscape underscores the importance of adaptability for students and institutions alike. As global education trends shift, the choices made in 2026 will shape the future of international student mobility.
Sources: BBC, The Times, The Economic Times, UKCISA, The Guardian, Hindustan Times, Universities UK International, Australian Department of Home Affairs, The Hindu.
Sources: Information sourced from BBC, The Times, The Economic Times, UKCISA, The Guardian, and official government reports.