UK study visa application withdrawals hit 10.5% amid tighter university compliance rules

The Economic Times reports that 10.5% of UK study visa applications were withdrawn in the first half of 2026, up from 2.3% a year earlier. Since June, universities have had to keep sponsored study visa refusals below 5% and enrolment at 95% or higher. Applications from Indian students fell 31%, while study visas issued to them fell 36% from a year earlier.