Record applications from Indian students for UK universities despite pandemic constraints

Despite the travel constraints in place due to coronavirus disease (Covid-19), there has been a 30% increase in the number of undergraduate applications from Indian students to study at British universities. According to the data from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) analysis for the period up to the June 30 deadline for applications for the new academic year found that 9,930 applications were made by Indian students, up from last year’s 7,640 applications.

While there has been a steady rise in the number of Indian applicants in the past decade, the applications for the upcoming academic year has recorded the sharpest rise since 2012, the year from when UCAS analysis is available. India is only behind China in terms of most numbers of applications from foreign countries for British universities.

There has been a 4% overall increase in total applicants from last year, which resulted in a more than 3% increase in offers made by British universities and colleges. UCAS has predicted that an increase in applications and offer making will see a record number of students starting university or college this autumn as it logged overall growth of 14% in undergraduate UK university applications from students globally.

“The whole university community has shown incredible resilience this year. It is really encouraging to see Indian students continue to make plans to study in the UK and we look forward to welcoming students safely,” said Vivienne Stern, Director of Universities UK International (UUKi), which represents over 140 UK universities.

“Thanks to UK government policy and the support structures that UK universities have put in place, we can prepare for the start of term with the flexibility students will welcome,” she said.

The increase may be attributed to students looking to make the most of the UK’s new Graduate route, which opened for applications last week. It will allow Indian and other overseas students to stay to work in the UK after their degree for two or three years, depending on the nature of their course.

The UK Home Office has also extended the deadline for students to be physically present in the country to be eligible for the new post-study work visa, to September this year for the 2020-21 cohort. Students beginning their course later this year or early next year will need to be in the UK by April 6 next year.

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