UK scholarships, visa changes, and university mergers: what international students need to know in 2026
2025 was a year of significant change for international students looking to study in the UK. Scholarships became more generous, visa rules tightened, and universities faced financial pressures that reshaped the sector. As we move into 2026, students planning to study in the UK need to understand what happened last year — and what lies ahead.
Scholarships in 2025: more generous, more competitive
One of the bright spots in 2025 was the expansion of postgraduate scholarships. UK universities offered awards worth up to £17,000, often with more transparent criteria than in previous years. This was partly a response to concerns about visa restrictions, as institutions worked hard to remain attractive to global talent.
Looking ahead, 2026 is expected to bring even tighter deadlines and more competition. With the Graduate Route visa changes looming, many students will apply earlier than usual, making scholarship places more sought‑after than ever.
Visa changes: Graduate Route and dependants
Visa policy was a defining issue in 2025. The UK government confirmed that the Graduate Route visa will be shortened from two years to 18 months starting in January 2027. This means students beginning in 2026 will be the last cohort who are potentially eligible for the full two‑year stay.
Another major development was the debate around the MRes loophole. While dependants were banned for most taught master’s students from January 2024, those on research master’s (MRes) courses remained exempt. Some universities expanded MRes recruitment to attract students wishing to bring family members, but this loophole is expected to close in 2026, according to Times Higher Education. For international students, this means stricter rules for dependants, with exemptions likely limited to PhD candidates.
University finances and mergers
Tightening immigration rules reduced the UK’s attractiveness in 2025, leading to a further slowdown in international student recruitment. The declines of the last few years have hit university finances hard, pushing institutions toward restructuring. The most notable example was the merger of University of Greenwich and University of Kent, a move that highlighted the scale of financial strain across the sector.
Speculation about the financial health of universities grew throughout the year. According to the Office for Students, around 44–45% of English universities are expected to report a deficit in 2025–26. This marks a sharp rise compared with previous years, and even prestigious institutions such as Cambridge and King’s College London have reported shortfalls.
For international students, this trend could have several implications:
Course closures and restructuring: Universities may cut less popular modules or entire departments to save costs.
Reduced student support: Financial pressures could limit investment in services such as careers advice, accommodation, or wellbeing support.
Scholarship budgets under strain: While scholarships remain a key recruitment tool, institutions facing deficits may reduce funding or tighten eligibility.
More mergers and collaborations: The Greenwich–Kent merger may be the first of several, reshaping the higher education landscape and potentially altering the student experience.
In short, the financial challenges facing UK universities are not abstract — they directly affect the choices, opportunities, and support available to international students.
Global competition and recruitment strategies
As Wonkhe has pointed out, the international recruitment market itself is changing. UK universities can no longer rely on traditional source countries such as China and India. Instead, they must diversify their recruitment strategies to attract students from a wider range of regions.
At the same time, the UK faces stronger competition from destinations like Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe, which are offering more favourable visa conditions and competitive tuition fees. For international students, this means the UK sector is in flux — with financial deficits, mergers, and shifting recruitment priorities all shaping the opportunities available in 2026.
What international students should expect in 2026
2026 is shaping up to be a year of both opportunity and caution. Students should prepare for:
The final chance to benefit from the two‑year Graduate Route visa
Earlier and more competitive scholarship deadlines
The likely closure of the MRes loophole for dependants
More university mergers affecting course choices and funding
Universities beginning to adjust strategies ahead of the International Student Levy in 2028
Continued emphasis on employability and entrepreneurship as selling points for UK study
Conclusion
For international students, 2026 represents a turning point. Scholarships remain strong, but visa rules are tightening, and universities face financial pressures that could reshape the sector.
Key takeaway: If you’re planning to study in the UK, apply early for scholarships, stay updated on visa rules, and monitor university changes. Scholarship Scanner will continue to track these developments to help you make the best decisions for your future.