The UK’s Educational Appeal Is Declining

In recent years, the United Kingdom has become one of the most popular destinations for international students. Nepali students, too, have continued to pursue higher education at British universities for decades. However, as highlighted by the Nepali Embassy in London, many students still face tragic situations — becoming victims of fraud, struggling to find jobs and accommodation, and enduring hardship.

Issue of Youth Migration

Youth migration has now become a national concern for Nepal. Whether it’s for employment in Gulf countries or higher education in countries like the UK, Australia, Canada, or the U.S., thousands of young people are leaving Nepal every day. A societal narrative has emerged that one’s social standing is diminished unless their children are abroad, and this perception is driving many youths to migrate.

A large number of students are heading to the UK for undergraduate courses, paying thousands of pounds even before completing their higher secondary (Plus Two) education. However, the reality is grim: many who come for three-year bachelor’s programs end up facing the most difficulty. Students, often burdened by loans, are lured by the false promises made by Kathmandu-based consultancies — that getting a job, housing, and eventually settlement in the UK is easy. But once they arrive, the reality is starkly different. Many fall into depression, some drop out, and a few tragically take their own lives.

The Harsh Truth

Students must understand that paying £12,000 to £15,000 (about 6 million Nepali rupees) per year for a three-year bachelor’s degree in the UK is extraordinarily difficult. It is virtually impossible to pay tuition fees and cover living expenses through part-time work (limited to 20 hours per week). Most students come from middle-class families who take out large loans to fund their children’s education. These families often cannot afford to send money every month from Nepal, nor do students begin earning immediately upon arrival.

UK’s Economic Climate

Adding to the struggle is the fact that the UK itself is undergoing an economic downturn. The job market has shown signs of further decline in early 2025. According to recently released government data, wage growth has slowed, unemployment has risen, and job opportunities are shrinking. In this scenario, even securing part-time work is increasingly difficult.

Recommendation

If possible, it is more practical for students to come to the UK for a one- to one-and-a-half-year master’s program. Otherwise, spending around 6 million rupees on a three-year undergraduate degree may not be worthwhile. If students think they will be able to repay their debts through earnings in the UK, that belief is misguided. They must be mentally prepared to survive for at least six months without work and focus solely on their studies.

Those coming to study in the UK from Nepal need to pay attention to several key points. Especially if it’s their first time abroad, it is crucial to understand the lifestyle, challenges, and realities of living in the UK.

Understanding life in the UK is essential for international students—from visa and tuition fees to health insurance, opening a bank account, arranging accommodation, and more. It’s equally important to know what kind of university you’re attending and how far your residence is from campus.

Declining Educational Appeal of the UK

Recent data shows that the UK’s educational appeal is waning. A major factor has been the UK government’s immigration policy change in January 2024, which barred most international students from bringing dependents. Earlier, students could switch to a work visa through sponsorship before completing their courses, but this has also been restricted.

According to the UK Home Office, student visas in 2024 declined by 31% compared to 2023. The new policy, which applies to all students except those enrolled in research courses, significantly reduced the number of dependents allowed in the UK.

In 2023, 624,000 student visas were granted, but by 2024, this dropped to 415,103. According to the BBC, dependent visas saw an 85% drop—from 143,276 in 2023 to just 21,978 in 2024.

As a result, many universities heavily dependent on international tuition revenue are facing financial crises. Universities UK, representing 141 institutions, has expressed concern that the UK’s policy to reduce net migration is discouraging international students. The uncertainty around post-study work rights has also negatively impacted enrollment.

Despite stating that the UK “will always welcome international students,” the government has also committed to significantly reducing net migration figures.

Universities such as the University of Lincoln have called on the government to reconsider restrictions on international student visas, reporting a 51% drop in new student enrollments since the policy change.

Financial Crisis Hitting UK Universities

UK universities are also undergoing massive job cuts. Nearly 90 institutions have begun implementing mandatory and voluntary redundancy plans. According to the University and College Union (UCU), around 1,000 staff at four universities—two of them part of the prestigious Russell Group—have been laid off.

• Cardiff University plans to cut its nursing program.

• University of Hull has signaled the closure of its chemistry department.

• University of Edinburgh aims to reduce staff and operational costs by £140 million.

• University of Strathclyde has begun selling property to stay afloat.

• University of Dundee is in an even more severe crisis, announcing job cuts for 635 employees, including 200 academic staff and 435 support staff, to manage a £335 million deficit. The institution is also looking to cut operational costs by selling intellectual property and buildings.

Impact of Brexit on EU Student Enrollment

Before Brexit, the UK was a top destination for students from France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and Ireland. However, the end of free movement has drastically reduced EU student enrollment.

Between 2020–2021 and 2022–2023, EU student numbers fell sharply (excluding Northern Ireland), with reductions of:

• 34.3% from France

• 38% from Germany

• 50.1% from Italy

• 78.4% from Poland

• 82.3% from Romania

Further Crackdown on Immigration