The number of Indian students going to the United Kingdom for higher studies in 2019 is on the rise, according to the British High Commission in New Delhi.
UK Immigration statistics show that over 30,000 Indian students received a Tier 4 (study) visa for the year ending September 2019 – up from almost 19,000 the previous year.
“This remarkable 63 per cent increase year on year is almost four times as fast as the global rate. In the last decade, more than 270,000 Indian students have benefitted from the UK’s world-leading education,” a statement issued by the high commission stated.
Over 1,400 walk-ins were recorded during the recent Study UK Fair in New Delhi, which gave students an opportunity to interact with representatives from over 50 UK universities, it added.
“I am delighted to see that once again the statistics show that more Indians are choosing to study at the UK’s world-class educational institutions. This is now the third consecutive year in which the numbers have increased. It is important to us, because these young leaders of tomorrow will reinforce the living bridge that connects India and the UK,” Dominic Asquith, British High Commissioner to India, said.
Barbara Wickham, Director India, British Council, said, “The positive growth in student visa statistics, along with the great collaboration between the Indian and UK higher education sectors, ensures that education continues to be key in the relationship between our two countries.”
The latest visa statistics also showed that the UK remains a popular holiday destination for Indians. More than 512,000 Indian nationals received visit visas in 2019 – a nine per cent increase compared to the previous year.
Overall, it is estimated that more than 1 in 5 of all UK visas go to Indian nationals and 90% of Indian applications are successful.