Globiscope
Several UK higher-education institutions have paused or limited recruitment from Pakistan and Bangladesh. They cite rising visa refusal rates and new Home Office compliance thresholds.
Universities tighten intake
At least nine UK universities have changed recruitment from what they call “high-risk” countries. They acted after a surge in visa refusals. Consequently, universities now face stricter Home Office thresholds.
For example, the University of Chester suspended recruitment from Pakistan until autumn 2026. Similarly, Wolverhampton and Sunderland stopped accepting some applicants from Pakistan and Bangladesh.
New Home Office rules
In September, the Home Office tightened three Basic Compliance Assessment (BCA) thresholds. Universities must now keep visa refusal rates below 5% to keep sponsor licences. Previously, the threshold stood at 10%.
By contrast, the average refusal rates for Pakistan and Bangladesh were 18% and 22% respectively (year to September 2025). Those figures far exceed the new 5% cap.
Impact on students and institutions
The changes affect students and lower-fee universities that rely on international recruits. Some institutions face action plans or temporary suspension of recruitment for certain intakes.
Officials warn that a small number of problematic cases can push an institution over the limit. As a result, some universities paused admissions to reduce risk and protect licences.
Voices from the field
Education agents and consultants say the moves harm genuine applicants. They call the decisions “heartbreaking” and demand better quality controls in overseas recruitment networks.
Universities UK International advised institutions to diversify intakes and tighten application checks. The Home Office said it values international students but must ensure the system remains robust.
What to expect next
Observers expect more institutions to review their international recruitment. They say some universities will change deposit policies and strengthen overseas partner vetting.
Meanwhile, affected students should watch announcements from chosen universities and seek counsel from accredited education advisers.
Source: Financial Times reporting and Home Office statistics. See Newsworld Globiscope for more updates.
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