Prestigious universities in the United Kingdom have imposed an embargo on new undergraduate admissions from Pakistan and Bangladesh due to severe allegations of visa fraud and systemic abuse. This decisive action by nine institutions, including Chester, Wolverhampton, East London, Sunderland, and Coventry, means thousands of prospective students from these countries will be unable to pursue their studies in the UK until at least Fall 2026.
The UK’s immigration service identified a concerning trend of individuals applying for student visas without meeting the core requirements for genuine study. This has resulted in dramatically high visa rejection rates: Pakistan’s stands at 18% and Bangladesh’s at 22%, significantly higher than the acceptable 5% threshold. London Metropolitan University’s reported 60% rejection rate for Bangladeshi applicants highlights the severity of the issue.
Concerns have been raised about a ‘profit-driven education system’ where educational consultancies and universities might have inadvertently or deliberately fostered an environment conducive to fraudulent applications, blurring the lines between education and migration. The UK government, while acknowledging the value of international students, insists on maintaining strict visa controls to safeguard against misuse. This educational blockade represents a significant international setback and a cause for concern for educational mobility and national reputation.