Visas & immigrationVisa brake

The UK Government has announced the introduction of a 'visa brake' affecting certain student visa applications.

From 26 March 2026, the UK Home Office will refuse new Student visa applications made outside the UK by nationals of:

  • Afghanistan
  • Cameroon
  • Myanmar
  • Sudan

This policy applies across the UK and affects all universities and education providers.

Under this policy, Student visa applications submitted outside the UK by nationals of these countries will be refused from 26 March 2026, even if the applicant holds a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

What this means for applicants

Due to this change in UK immigration policy, the University of Strathclyde is currently unable to issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for September 2026 entry to applicants from the affected nationalities.

This restriction has been introduced by the UK Government and applies to all UK institutions. The University does not have discretion to override this policy.

Applicants who have already applied to study at the University will be contacted directly with further information about the options available to them.

Does this policy affect all international applicants?

No. The visa brake only applies to Student visa applications made outside the UK by nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan. Applications from all other nationalities are not affected.

If I already have an offer from the University, what happens next?

The University will contact affected offer holders directly to discuss the available options. These may include withdrawing your application or requesting to defer your place to a later intake if available.

If I already hold a UK visa or I am currently in the UK, am I affected?

No. The visa brake only applies to new visa applications made outside the UK. Existing visas remain valid and are not cancelled by this policy.

How long will the visa brake last?

The UK Government has stated that the policy will be kept under review, but there is currently no confirmed date for when it may be lifted.