🔗 Share this article

Hundreds overseas students will now be able to claim their offered places subsequent to negotiations involving the Home Office and the London-based university wrapped up with the officials issuing extra entry permits.

Study Permit Quota Difficulties

Several hundred of learners, plenty from the Chinese mainland, found themselves in uncertainty after the university underestimated the interest for positions this session and went over its quota of CAS electronic documents permitted by the immigration authorities.

Educational Establishment Apology and Assistance

UCL expressed regret to those affected, telling them it was "deeply regretful for the disruption and doubt", and offering to pay £1,000 expenses for requests made through British visa authorities' "expedited processing".

We're happy to guarantee our affected overseas students that they can finally start their education at UCL.

Exceptional Applications

The institution said "an exceptional rise in applications" was the reason behind the over-recruitment, and had at first told learners with guaranteed spots that they should postpone until the following academic year, causing many to voice dissatisfaction they faced financial losses after pre-paying for transportation and housing.

Successful Resolution

After talks between the university and the immigration authorities at the end of last weekend, learners were told that they would obtain entry permits after all.

A university representative for UCL stated: "We wholeheartedly apologise to all those who have been impacted by the recent confusion and we are incredibly grateful for their cooperation. Our personnel are now acting promptly to communicate with students directly with news and help.

Learner Responses

A number of learners reported they had been sent emails from the university within the last two days saying their CAS documents would be released, a crucial requirement to be issued a study permit. Several said they had yet to received verification.

One student commented: "I'm thrilled to be able to study in the United Kingdom. We were informed conflicting messages since the previous month, it was extremely difficult. I was already obligated to arranging lodging in London, with non-refundable payments possible, so I am very relieved."

National Impact

About 200 applicants from the Chinese mainland were impacted, with a number already in the UK at the end of the previous month for the start of the university term. Those on taught postgraduate courses were informed they had to be in attendance by 10 October or forfeit their spot.

We deeply appreciate for your cooperation with this process and we are deeply regretful for the disruption and uncertainty which this will have created you.