Hundreds of international students left in limbo after University College London (UCL) exceeded its visa allocation have now been cleared to take up their places following successful negotiations with the Home Office.
The students, many from China, were initially told to defer their studies until next year after UCL ran out of Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) documents electronic certificates required for student visa applications.
The shortage followed what the university described as an extraordinary surge in demand for places this academic year.
In a statement, UCL confirmed that the Home Office has now granted additional CAS numbers, allowing affected students to apply for their visas and begin their studies as planned.
“We’re pleased to assure our affected international students that they can now begin their studies at UCL,” a university spokesperson said. “We wholeheartedly apologise for the uncertainty caused and thank the Home Office for working swiftly to assist us.”
UCL had earlier apologised to students for the disruption and offered £1,000 to cover the cost of using the UK Visa and Immigration super priority service.
Around 200 Chinese students were among those affected, with some already in the UK after paying for accommodation and travel. Several students said they had now received their CAS documents, though a few were still awaiting confirmation.
“I am overjoyed to be able to study in the UK,” one student said. “It was very stressful, but I’m relieved this nightmare is over.”
Students must arrive by 10 October to keep their places.
