London: Uncertainty has grown among Nepali students studying at Buckinghamshire New University after the UK Home Office suspended the university’s licence to sponsor international students.
The Home Office suspended the university’s sponsorship licence with immediate effect on September 30 and removed it from the list of approved student sponsors.
According to the Home Office, the university has been given 20 working days to respond to the decision and present grounds for reinstating its licence. If it fails to provide sufficient justification, the sponsorship licence could be revoked.
However, the suspension does not immediately affect students who are currently sponsored by the university. Existing students can continue their studies during the suspension period as long as their permission to stay in the UK remains valid.
According to education consultants, around 250 Nepali students are currently studying at Buckinghamshire New University. However, this figure has not been independently confirmed through official university data. Consultants say a significant number of Nepali students at the university are enrolled in nursing-related programmes.
The university has said that many of the concerns raised by the Home Office relate to its previous international student recruitment practices. It has also stated that, following a change in leadership, it has strengthened its compliance and monitoring systems.
The university has indicated that it intends to challenge some aspects of the findings and has taken steps to improve its regulatory compliance.
The suspension of a student sponsorship licence does not automatically cancel the visas of existing students. Even if the licence is ultimately revoked, UK government guidance provides certain arrangements that may allow affected students to complete their studies for a limited period, depending on their circumstances.
Students whose visas are cancelled or otherwise affected and who wish to continue studying in the UK may need to find a new licensed student sponsor and apply for a new visa.
In general, affected students may be given up to 60 days to make a new visa application, or the remaining period of their existing permission if it is shorter.
A new Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the new sponsor would normally be required, along with the applicable visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge.
Students who fail to submit a new application within the required period may be required to leave the UK.
The developments have raised concerns among international students, particularly those from countries such as Nepal, who have invested significant amounts of money in tuition fees and living expenses in the UK. Students are now closely monitoring the university’s response to the Home Office and the outcome of the review.
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