Students at the University of Oxford are facing uncertainty after the UK government imposed an “emergency brake” on new study visas for nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan, a move that has drawn criticism from humanitarian groups and student societies.
According to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, new study visa applications for nationals from these countries will be paused. The government has also announced that skilled worker visas for Afghan nationals will be stopped.
In its press release, the Home Office said the decision follows a rise in asylum claims from individuals who initially entered the UK on study and work routes. It stated that the government must “prevent abuse of the visa system” and ensure that routes intended for study and skilled work are “used for their proper purpose”. The statement added that the pause would allow the government to review the operation of the affected routes and “maintain confidence in the UK’s legal migration system”.
The government said it remains committed to protecting those in genuine need but argued that it must also ensure that migration pathways are “robust and fair”.
The move has prompted concern within parts of the University community. In a joint statement to Cherwell, Mansfield and Somerville said they remain committed to ensuring that “ability and promise, not birthplace or background” determine who has access to education at the University.
The colleges, which became Oxford’s first Colleges of Sanctuary in 2021, highlighted their record of admitting students from war-torn regions through competitive scholarship schemes supported by alumni and charitable partners. The colleges told Cherwell: “Preventing the brightest and most talented scholars from travelling to the UK on legitimate student visas will do nothing to address the complex causes of irregular migration. .Those who come here as students do so lawfully, to study and to contribute.”
They added that conflating international students with wider migration challenges is “unfair and misguided”.
Sudan, Myanmar, and Afghanistan are all experiencing severe humanitarian emergencies, while parts of Cameroon continue to be affected by armed conflict and displacement.
A University spokesperson told Cherwell: “We are aware that the recent government announcement regarding changes to study visas will be a matter of serious concern to many students and applicants from affected countries. The University is working hard to clarify what the changes mean and will issue updated guidance as soon as further details become available. Current students are able to extend a visa in the UK, or apply for a new course if they are already here. We will be contacting those who have already applied to Oxford with next steps as soon as we can.”
The University’s admissions guidance for international applicants states that visa arrangements are subject to UK government policy and are updated as new information becomes available.
The Oxford Sudanese Society told Cherwell: “The Oxford Sudanese Society is deeply concerned by the UK government’s decision to place an emergency brake on student visas affecting Sudanese applicants.
“Securing a place here requires navigating conflict, displacement, disrupted education systems, and significant financial and administrative hurdles. These students represent some of the most talented and resilient young people in Sudan, and they come to the UK not only to pursue academic excellence but also to acquire the skills needed to help rebuild their country in the future.”
The Society has begun coordinating with affected students, colleges, departments and the University leadership to explore support options for those affected in Sudan.
