The UK Government has announced tougher measures against universities that fail to prevent abuse of the student visa system, warning that institutions could lose the right to recruit international students.

Under new sponsorship rules, universities will face stricter performance requirements, including lower visa refusal rates and higher enrolment and course completion rates.

The Home Office said the changes come amid concerns that some international students are using study visas as a route to claim asylum or enter the illegal labour market.

According to the Government, asylum claims from people arriving on work, study and tourist visas had more than tripled under the previous administration, with foreign students accounting for the largest share. However, student asylum claims have fallen by 30% over the past year following measures introduced by the Government.

From summer 2027, universities will be assessed under a new traffic light rating system. Institutions rated “red” could face restrictions on student recruitment and be required to implement a 12-month improvement plan. Continued non-compliance could result in the loss of international student recruitment rights.

The new requirements include reducing the maximum visa refusal rate from 10% to 5%, increasing the minimum enrolment rate from 90% to 95%, and raising the minimum course completion rate from 85% to 90%.

Migration and Citizenship Minister Mike Tapp said the UK would continue to welcome genuine international students but stressed that the visa system should not be used as a “backdoor to asylum and illegal working”.

The Government also said net migration to the UK has fallen by 74% as part of its broader immigration reforms.