Archive · 5 Dec 2025
UK Universities Restrict Pakistani, Bangladeshi Student Visas
The UK is making it harder for students from Pakistan and Bangladesh to get visas to study at certain universities.
This is because the UK government wants to reduce the number of people coming into the country.
Some universities have stopped accepting students from these countries for a while.
The UK is also trying to lower the number of visa applications that are rejected.
This is important because many universities rely on international students to stay open and running.
At least 9 UK universities have restricted student visas for applicants from Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The Home Office has set a new visa refusal limit of 5%, down from 10%.
Visa refusal rates for Pakistani and Bangladeshi applicants are 18% and 22%, respectively.
Universities like the University of Chester and the University of East London have halted student recruitment from these countries.
The UK aims to reduce net migration, which has significantly decreased from its peak in 2023.
- Who
- UK universities and the Home Office
- What
- Restrictions on student visas for Pakistani and Bangladeshi applicants
- When
- As of September 2025
- Where
- United Kingdom
- Why
- To reduce visa abuse and net migration
- Countries Affected
- Pakistan and Bangladesh
- Universities Affected
- At least 9
- Visa Refusal Rates
- 18% (Pakistan), 22% (Bangladesh)
- New Visa Refusal Limit
- 5%
- Previous Visa Refusal Limit
- 10%
- Time Period
- As of September 2025
- Total Rejected Applications
- 23,036
- Net Migration Reduction
- Nearly 80% from peak in 2023
