UK government tightens student visa system, sets tougher targets for universities

The United Kingdom (UK) has introduced stricter immigration rules that could affect universities recruiting international students, including Nigerians.

Under the new measures announced by the UK Home Office, universities risk losing their sponsorship licences if they fail to meet tougher compliance requirements.

The reforms form part of the government’s efforts to curb abuse of the visa system across study, work, and tourist routes, which authorities say have contributed to rising asylum claims.

One of the major changes is a reduction in the acceptable student visa refusal rate. Universities must now keep refusal rates below 5%, down from the previous 10% threshold.

Institutions will also be required to meet higher performance targets. They must achieve a 95% student enrolment rate and a 90% course completion rate, compared to the previous benchmarks of 90% and 85%.

According to the Home Office, high dropout rates could indicate that some students entered the UK for reasons other than education, including participation in the illegal labour market.

Officials added that low enrolment figures and high visa refusal rates may suggest that institutions are not carrying out adequate checks on applicants.

The policy builds on earlier visa restrictions imposed on applicants from countries including Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan.

The UK government also revealed that asylum claims from international students have fallen by 30% following recent enforcement measures.

In addition, authorities disclosed that about 306,000 students with expired or expiring visas have been warned to leave the UK or face removal if they submit what the government describes as unfounded asylum claims.

The latest measures signal the UK government’s continued push to tighten immigration controls, with universities expected to meet stricter standards or risk losing the right to sponsor international students.