University to recruit more international students

A university which has seen a significant decline in international student numbers has announced plans to increase overseas recruitment.

Sheffield Hallam University said it had seen a 36% drop in non-UK applications between 2022 and 2025.

Government changes to student visa conditions have led to national falls in enrolment levels.

Sheffield Hallam has signed a 10-year partnership with a private education provider which will promote its courses to applicants in a number of countries.

The company, Oxford International, will recruit prospective students for Sheffield Hallam's new College of International Education, which opens this year.

Vice-chancellor Liz Mossop said: "As a university committed to equality, inclusivity and real-world impact, this collaboration will support our ambition to welcome a broader and more diverse international student community."

As part of the deal, Oxford International will deliver teaching at the college and the university will provide academic oversight and support services.

Around 18% of current Hallam students are from outside the UK.

The university had previously predicted a financial shortfall of £20m in 2024-5 due to the reduction in fee income from international students.

Fees for British students have been frozen at £9,000 a year since 2012, but some international students can pay in excess of £30,000 a year for their tuition.

Home Office figures found that UK sponsored study visas dropped by 31%, from 600,024 in 2023 to 415,103 in 2024, after rules were changed.

Student visa restrictions took effect in January 2024, meaning postgraduates lost the right to bring family members to the UK and new students were prevented from switching to a work visa before the end of their courses.

There was subsequently an 85% drop in the number of sponsored study visas issued for spouses and children, from 143,276 in 2023 to 21,978 in 2024.

Brexit has also had an impact on European student recruitment. Since 2021, EU residents have had to pay full international fees and do not qualify for tuition loans.

As well as Hallam's reported 36% drop in international enrolments, the University of Sheffield recorded a 25% drop in numbers over the same three-year period.

Businesses in the city have previously told the BBC that they have been impacted by the presence of fewer of overseas students using their products and services.

Chinese restaurants and bubble tea cafes said they had been affected by falls in the number of arrivals from China and Malaysia, while purpose-built private accommodation developments are often targeted at international students.

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