Sri Lankan Postgraduate Enrollments in UK Drop 36% Amid Dependants Ban 📈

A significant downturn has been recorded in the number of Sri Lankan students pursuing postgraduate studies in the UK for the 2024/25 academic year, driven primarily by tightened immigration policies. • Overall Decline: International postgraduate enrollments in the UK fell by 10% YoY, contributing to a 6% drop in total international student numbers (approx. 685,565 students). • Sri Lanka Impact: Sri Lanka saw a 36% YoY reduction in postgraduate enrollments, the second-largest decline globally after Nigeria (-39%). • Key Driver: The drop is directly linked to the 2023 ban on dependants for taught postgraduate courses. Sri Lankan applicants historically maintained high dependant-to-main-applicant ratios, making the restriction a major deterrent for family-oriented students. • Shift in Trends: Postgraduate Research: Enrollments in research-oriented courses (exempt from the ban) rose 11% globally as students pivot away from taught degrees. Market Diversification: Students are increasingly opting for alternative destinations or research-based tracks to maintain family accompaniment and better employment prospects. • UK Market Share: Despite the dip, postgraduate studies still comprise 57% (approx. 389,000) of all international enrollments in the UK. _Data based on ApplyBoard Insights and HESA reports as of February 2026._