# International students

**Source**: https://www.gla.ac.uk/international/visabrake/
**Parent**: https://www.gla.ac.uk/international/

## Visa Brake: Guidance for Applicants

The UK Government has introduced a new immigration measure known as a visa brake, restricting certain visa applications by nationality from 26 March 2026. This page explains what this means for applicants and outlines University of Glasgow specific processes and support.

### What is the Visa Brake?

The visa brake is a government policy that automatically refuses visa applications made from outside the UK for certain routes based on the **nationality** of the applicant.

It applies even if the applicant meets all normal visa requirements, including holding a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

### Who is Affected?

#### Student Visa Applications (Outside the UK)

Nationals of the following countries will have their Student visa applications refused if submitted on or after 26 March 2026:

- Afghanistan
- Cameroon
- Myanmar
- Sudan

#### Key Dates

- Before 12:01am on 26 March 2026: Student visa applications are processed as normal.
- On or after 26 March 2026: Applications from affected nationals on listed routes will be refused regardless of whether they possess a CAS.

### Who Is *Not* Affected?

You are not affected if:

- You are applying from within the UK
- You currently hold a UK visa that allows you to switch into the Student route (subject to meeting standard eligibility requirements)
- You hold a visa type not affected by the brake.

#### Current Students

Current students in the UK are not affected and you should continue your studies as normal. You should avoid circumstances requiring a new visa from overseas. Our [International Student Support Team](https://www.gla.ac.uk/international/support/) are here to help if you have any questions.

### Contact Us

[Enquire online](https://www.gla.ac.uk/study/enquire/)

Choose CAS/Visa as the category and we will prioritise your enquiry.

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### FAQs

#### I am from Afghanistan/Cameroon/Myanmar/Sudan. Can I still apply to the University of Glasgow?

Yes - you may still submit an application. However, if you require a Student visa from outside the UK, we cannot progress your application, as it will be refused under UK Government policy. If you believe you are *not* affected, you must upload evidence explaining why.

#### What evidence can I provide to show I am not affected?

Acceptable evidence includes:

- Passport demonstrating nationality of a country out with those impacted
- Valid UK immigration status allowing study (e.g. refugee status, settled status)
- Proof you will apply from inside the UK
- Evidence you are exempt from immigration control

#### Can I defer my offer until the visa brake is lifted?

No. Unfortunately, the University cannot offer deferrals, as there is currently no confirmed timeline for when the visa brake will be lifted.

#### Will I receive a refund of my deposit if I cannot proceed?

Yes. The University of Glasgow will issue a full refund for any applicant unable to progress due to the visa brake.

#### I already submitted my visa application before 26 March 2026. Am I affected?

No. Applications submitted before 12:01am on 26 March 2026 will be processed under existing rules.

#### I am a current student in the UK. Does this affect me?

No. Your current visa and rights remain unchanged. You can extend or switch visas from within the UK normally, providing you meet visa criteria eligibility requirements.

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### UK Government Guidance

- [Visa brake: changes to the UK visa system](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/visa-brake-changes-to-the-uk-visa-system).