Leading universities have called on Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to exempt outstanding students from conflict-affected countries from a stringent visa ban. The Russell Group and ResearchPlus, representing 34 institutions including the University of Cambridge, Durham, Manchester, and Imperial College London, have written to Mahmood seeking a carve-out for Chevening scholars—a government-funded programme that enables exceptional emerging leaders to pursue a one-year master's degree in the UK.
Visa Ban Impact on Chevening Scholars
In March, the Home Office ended study visas for students from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan, citing abuse of the visa routes. This decision has prevented Chevening scholars from these nations from entering the UK. In their letter, the university associations argued that applying the ban to Chevening scholars is neither fair nor proportionate, noting that applicants have already undergone rigorous, government-led assessment.
The universities rejected claims of widespread abuse, stating: "Our universities take their compliance responsibilities seriously and support appropriate measures to protect the integrity of student visas. The vast majority of international study applicants are genuine, and it is in all our interests that the system remains credible."
Chevening Programme's Value
Describing the visa brake as a "blunt measure", the letter emphasised that Chevening candidates are selected through a global competitive process overseen by the UK government, assessing academic merit, leadership potential, and intention to return home after studies. Professor Libby Hackett of the Russell Group, along with Professor Andrew Jones and Professor Sasha of ResearchPlus (representing the University of Oxford and the Open University), highlighted the programme's role in advancing UK international partnerships and national interests. Notably, 22 Chevening alumni have become heads of state, and 15% hold prominent government positions.
Sasha Roseneil, co-chair of ResearchPlus and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sussex, warned: "We risk turning away tomorrow's leaders by placing restrictions on outstanding scholars who have already passed the government's own rigorous selection process."
Government Disagreement
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper reportedly appealed to Mahmood for an exemption for Chevening students, expressing concern about the impact on vulnerable women in Afghanistan and Sudan. However, Mahmood reportedly rejected the intervention. Home Office data published this week shows that 10,835 people on study visas claimed asylum in the UK in the year to March 2026, out of nearly 500,000 study visa grants in peak years. The number of students claiming asylum is declining following restrictions on family members accompanying students.
Libby Hackett, Chief Executive of the Russell Group, stated: "Chevening Scholars have shown themselves to be exceptionally talented individuals who use their education in the UK to make invaluable contributions in their home countries. We should be making every effort to attract and support these students, not creating more barriers for them."
The Home Office has been contacted for comment.
