Phased Rollout of New UK BCA Thresholds Confirmed Amid Immigration Crackdown
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UK universities have been told to prepare for a “phased implementation” of new Basic Compliance Assessment (BCA) thresholds, as the government advances its wide-ranging immigration reforms. The move, confirmed by Jamie Arrowsmith, director of Universities UK International (UUKi), forms part of measures announced in the government’s May 2025 immigration white paper.
UUKi has been in discussions with officials regarding a series of proposals affecting the higher education sector. These include raising BCA standards, shortening the Graduate Route from two years to 18 months, and introducing an international student levy. Arrowsmith confirmed that the Home Office will implement the BCA changes in stages, with “discretionary exceptions” for smaller providers and institutions that would pass under current rules.
Under the new thresholds, universities must achieve a course enrolment rate of at least 95% and a course completion rate of 90% to pass compliance checks. More controversially, the visa refusal rate limit will be tightened from 10% to 5%, sparking concern across the sector. To help institutions adjust, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is piloting enhanced data-sharing measures, giving sponsors greater visibility of visa refusals.
The government will also introduce a traffic-light rating system to monitor institutional compliance. Underperforming providers risk being placed on action plans or facing recruitment caps. “Further systems and data improvements are still needed to support institutions in adapting to these tougher thresholds,” said Arrowsmith.
Meanwhile, debate continues over the proposed international student levy, confirmed this week by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson at the Labour Party conference. Revenue would be directed towards maintenance grants for domestic students. University leaders have criticised the plan, warning it could unfairly raise costs for international students and damage the competitiveness of UK higher education.
The Home Office insists the reforms are essential to ensure only genuine students enter the country and that providers uphold their responsibilities. Communications on changes to the Graduate Route are expected soon, with UUKi pressing for exemptions for PhD graduates and clear timelines for implementation.
As the phased rollout begins, the reforms underscore the UK government’s effort to balance international student mobility with stricter immigration control, leaving universities to navigate an increasingly complex compliance landscape.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
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