In brief
- The Home Office published its October 2026 entry clearance figures on 12 November 2026.
- Main applicant applications on the sponsored study route were 5,800, down 31% on October 2025.
- In the year ending October 2026, main applications were 349,900, down 20% on the year before.
- The figures count applications, not visas granted or students enrolled.
- The November 2026 figures are due on 10 December 2026.
This is an update to our earlier article, October 2026 entry clearance figures: what to look for when they are published.
What the figures show
The Home Office published its monthly entry clearance figures on 12 November 2026. They are already out.
In October 2026, 5,800 people applied as main applicants on the sponsored study route. That is down 31% on the 8,400 who applied in October 2025. It is also 44% below October 2023, when 10,400 applied.
| Measure | 2026 | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| October, main applicants | 5,800 | 8,400 in October 2025 (down 31%) |
| July to October, main applicants | 236,100 | 282,200 in 2025 (down 16%) |
| Year ending October, main applicants | 349,900 | 434,000 a year earlier (down 20%) |
The 31% fall is for October alone. The 20% fall covers the 12 months to October. They measure different things.
A sharper fall than recent months
The September release showed a 19% fall on a year earlier, and August showed 16%. October is therefore the steepest monthly fall of the recent run.
What the figures do and do not tell us
These figures count visa applications submitted. They do not show visas granted or the number of students who go on to enrol. The Home Office has said final numbers will appear in its quarterly immigration statistics.
The Home Office has said the countries covered by the student “visa brake”, in place since 26 March 2026, make up a small share of study applications. The brake is therefore unlikely to explain the fall on its own.
What this means
For students
The figures do not change the rules for any individual application. Anyone planning to study in the UK should check the requirements for the Student visa and allow time to prepare documents.
For universities and sponsors
Fewer applications may affect recruitment planning. Licensed sponsors must still meet their sponsor duties whatever their intake. See our guidance on sponsor licence compliance.
Work and family routes
This update covers the student route. We will add the work, family and dependant figures to this article once we have reviewed them.
What happens next
The Home Office will publish the November 2026 figures on 10 December 2026 at 9:30am.
How Garth Coates Solicitors can help
Our immigration solicitors advise students, families and licensed sponsors on UK visa applications and sponsor duties. To discuss your situation, please request a consultation.
This article is general information and was correct on 12 November 2026. It is not legal advice on your circumstances; immigration rules and fees change often. For advice on your case, request a consultation.
