Some in the sector have warned that fewer international students will further damage university finances in the UK.
Universities UK, which represents 140 institutions, said the figures showed that student recruitment “remains very challenging”, and that “the UK’s position as a top study destination is under threat”.
Nick Hillman, director of the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi) think tank, said the numbers “confirm our fear that the previous government’s changes have made the UK a less attractive study destination”.
Jo Grady, general secretary of the University and College Union (UCU), recently called for government bailouts for those universities struggling financially.
She said the new Labour government should “lift Tory visa restrictions as a first step towards stabilising our universities and rebuilding Britain”.
A Home Office spokesperson said the government “values the contribution legal migration makes to our country, but it must be controlled and delivered through a fair system”.
