Changes to UK Student Visas for Certain Nationalities

The UK Government has introduced an emergency brake affecting certain visa routes. As part of this measure, Student visa applications from nationals of the following countries will be refused from 26 March 2026:

Afghanistan
Cameroon
Myanmar
Sudan

As a result of this change, UK universities will not be permitted to sponsor applicants from these countries requiring a Student visa, when the application is made from outside the UK. Consequently, we are currently unable to accept applications for September 2026 from students who would require a Student visa and hold nationality from one of the countries listed above, unless;

you are already in the UK with Student permission
you are applying for Student permission from within the UK
you have dual nationality and intend to apply for your visa using a nationality not listed above

The explanatory memorandum to the Statement of Changes does outline that, “the brake is not intended to be permanent and will be regularly reviewed, with the aim that it can be released as soon as it is considered appropriate to do so”, although there is currently no end date in place.

For more information, please refer to these sources:

We understand this news may be disappointing and appreciate the uncertainty it may cause. If you have questions about your individual situation or would like guidance on possible next steps, please contact our International Admissions team.

Important information for current students in the UK

If you are currently in the UK, you are not affected

The visa brake applies only to Student visa applications made outside the UK on or after 26 March 2026. If you already hold a valid UK visa and are currently in the UK:

your visa remains valid
the conditions of your stay do not change
you may continue studying as normal under your existing Student visa

Applications made from inside the UK are still permitted

If you plan to apply for a visa from within the UK, you can still do so. This includes applications such as:

extending your Student visa
switching to another immigration route
applying for the Graduate Route visa after completing your studies

The current brake does not apply to visa applications made from inside the UK.

Dependants can still apply

The visa brake applies only to main applicants applying from outside the UK. Dependants may still apply to join you in the UK, provided they meet the usual immigration requirements.

Other visa routes

The current measure applies to overseas applications made on or after 26 March 2026 for the Student visa route for nationals of the four countries listed above and the Skilled Worker visa route for nationals of Afghanistan.

All other visa routes and nationalities remain unaffected.