5 Things you must try if you study in the UK
Explore the top five things that you have to experience as an international student in the UK. You may be surprised by the wide variety of sights, sounds and experiences to be had.
STUDYINUK
All the latest news and advice for prospective & current international students, keeping you informed on your education journey.
LATEST NEWS
Western Australia University Merger Update for International Students
Western Australia is assessing a merger of Curtin University, Murdoch University and The University of Western Australia (UWA). The WA Government says courses will continue as normal while the business case is developed, with completion due in 2027 before a final decision. Students can still apply to the three universities under current requirements.
The government says a combined university could strengthen course quality, employability, regional access and research. Curtin and Murdoch say the proposal could reduce student choice, academic diversity and price options. Future fees, entry standards, course changes and any new university name remain undecided. Compare programmes and monitor official university updates.
UK Visa Update for Pakistani and Bangladeshi Students
Pakistani and Bangladeshi students are not covered by the UK’s current visa brake. The rule applies only to Student visa applicants from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan, and eligible applications from other nationalities are processed normally.
However, UK universities now face a tougher compliance threshold: sponsors assessed from June 2026 must keep visa refusal rates below 5%, according to UKVI guidance. As The PIE News reports, this pressure has led some institutions to take a more cautious approach to recruitment in Pakistan and Bangladesh. Check a university’s current entry requirements before applying, and submit complete, accurate evidence to support your visa application.
London's Bloomsbury Institute Loses Licence to Sponsor International Students
London's Bloomsbury Institute has had its licence to sponsor international students revoked by the UK Home Office, effective 5 August 2026. The institution failed the Basic Compliance Assessment (BCA), falling short on visa refusal rates and student enrolment and completion thresholds. The same metrics now enforced across all UK student sponsors under tightened compliance standards introduced in June 2026.
Currently enrolled sponsored students will be supported for a short period, with a small number expected to transfer to another institution. The Bloomsbury Institute cannot sponsor new international student applications and must wait 18 months before reapplying for a licence.
Canada PGWP Refusals What International Students Must Know
Over 1,500 international graduates in Canada have had Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applications refused after completing non-credit continuing education courses at Portage College in Alberta. Students say they were promised PGWP eligibility upon enrolment in 2024. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) maintains the rule excluding non-credit programmes has always been in place, though critics argue the guidance was never explicitly stated.
What to Check Before You Enrol
Only credit-bearing programmes at designated learning institutions (DLIs) qualify for PGWP eligibility. Before accepting any offer, verify your programme's PGWP status directly on the IRCC website and seek advice from a regulated Canadian immigration consultant (RCIC).
Trump's Proposed $100,000 OPT Fee
The Trump administration is reportedly weighing a $100,000 fee on Optional Practical Training (OPT), the post-graduation work programme that allows international students to remain in the US for up to three years. The proposal is still under consideration and has not been formally announced. If enacted, it would effectively price most students out of the programme entirely.
OPT is widely regarded as the primary reason international students choose the US, with nearly 295,000 participants in 2024/25. Over half of current postgraduate students say they would not have enrolled at an American university without it. With US policy uncertainty already driving a decline in international applications, students are advised to weigh their options carefully.
Global HE Growth Emerging Destinations Study Abroad Opportunities
Higher education is experiencing unprecedented global growth. UNESCO's first Higher Education Global Trends Report reveals that global enrolment has reached 269 million students, more than doubling over the past two decades. International student mobility has tripled to 7.3 million students, opening new opportunities for prospective international students. Whilst traditional destinations remain popular, emerging study destinations are attracting growing numbers of international students seeking quality education, affordability, and diverse experiences.
The Global Growth Story
Global higher education participation now represents 43% of the population of typical higher education age. This expansion reflects increasing demand for higher education worldwide. However, significant regional disparities persist, with participation rates ranging from 80% in Western Europe and North America to just 9% in sub-Saharan Africa. This growth creates unprecedented opportunities for international students to access quality education globally.
Emerging Destinations on the Rise
International student mobility remains concentrated among traditional destinations, yet emerging destinations are gaining significant traction. Turkey and the United Arab Emirates have experienced at least fivefold growth over the past decade, whilst Argentina, China, Egypt, Japan, Malaysia and South Korea are increasingly popular destinations. Additionally, intra-regional mobility is growing, with students from Latin America and the Caribbean increasingly studying within the region, and Arab students choosing Gulf countries over traditional Western destinations.
The UK has confirmed its new points-based visa system, which requires international students (EU and non-EU) to have 70 points upon entering the country, will be launched from October 5 th , 2020. This system will replace the Tier 4 visa route which currently only applies to non-EU students and has been implemented earlier than the expected January 2021 date. We’re going to run you through the specifics of these changes and how this might impact you
Explore the top five things that you have to experience as an international student in the UK. You may be surprised by the wide variety of sights, sounds and experiences to be had.
Explore some of the top things that you have to try as an international student in Canada. This includes everything from eating local cuisine to visiting the top attractions.
