London Metropolitan Universitys Licence To Sponsor Students Is Withdrawn

30 Aug 2012

The UK Border Agency has revoked (withdrawn) London Metropolitan University's license to sponsor students from outside the European Union.

The withdrawal of London Metropolitan University's license means that it is removed from the register of licensed sponsors, and students from outside the European Union are no longer allowed to study at the university.

We understand that international students at London Metropolitan University may be concerned.

London Metropolitan University students who are already in the UK with a current, valid UK visa do not need to do anything immediately.

A government-led task force is being created, which will include the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), Universities UK, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), the UK Border Agency and the National Union of Students. This will work with London Metropolitan to support those affected and enable appropriately qualified genuine students to find another institution where they can continue their studies in the UK. The task force will start work immediately.

If an existing London Metropolitan University student with a current, valid visa is on holiday outside the UK, they can return to the UK.

New students who were planning to travel to the UK to start studying with London Metropolitan University should not travel.

A UK Border Agency spokesperson said: "These are problems with one university, not the whole sector. British universities are among the best in the world - and Britain remains a top-class destination for top-class international students. We are doing everything possible, working with the task force established by BIS, to assist students that have been affected."

Source: UK Border Agency

Link: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2012/august/28-LMU-revoked1