Glasgow Caledonian University Pauses Recruitment to Certain Courses Amid BCA Compliance Concerns
📰 What’s Happening?
Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) has paused international student recruitment for certain postgraduate courses starting in September 2025. This action is a direct response to proposed changes in the UK’s immigration white paper, specifically the tightening of Basic Compliance Assessment (BCA) metrics.
The university has:
- Withdrawn offers already made for these courses
- Refunded deposits to affected students
- Not yet publicly disclosed which courses are impacted
📑 What Are the New BCA Metrics?
The UK government is proposing stricter compliance requirements for universities that sponsor international students:
Metric | Current | Proposed |
Visa Refusal Rate | ≤10% | ≤5% |
Enrolment Rate | ≥90% | ≥95% |
Course Completion Rate | ≥85% | ≥90% |
These changes, while not yet legally enforced, are expected to become official without the need for parliamentary legislation—meaning quick implementation is likely.
🎓 Which Courses Are Affected?
While GCU hasn’t named specific programs, it is widely suspected that MRes (Master of Research) courses are among those affected. These programs:
- Have lower enrolment and completion rates
- Attract students bringing dependants, which may raise visa scrutiny
Other universities have also recently limited MRes recruitment mid-cycle for similar reasons.
💬 University’s Statement
Vice-Chancellor Stephen Decent stated:
“We have identified a number of courses at risk of non-compliance with the new UKVI metrics – and we have made the decision to pause recruitment to these courses for September 2025.”
GCU emphasized this is a “short-term and strategic pause” to adjust entry processes and ensure future compliance.
⚠️ Why This Matters for International Students
- Uncertainty: Offers withdrawn and no list of affected courses shared publicly
- Disruption: Students must now find alternative courses or institutions
- Visa Challenges: Dependants may face additional hurdles in light of MRes scrutiny
- Reduced Options: Smaller and mid-ranked UK universities may scale back intake, limiting student choice
🧩 Sector-Wide Concerns
- Universities fear rushed implementation of these metrics without transition time
- Lack of clarity on how course completion is calculated
- Fear of penalties for students who withdraw for legitimate reasons (e.g., returning home)
Jack Straw, former UK Home Secretary, criticized some universities’ aggressive recruitment, stating it’s hurting the whole sector and prompting government crackdowns.
🧭 What Should Students and Agents Do Now?
- Check with universities and agents before applying to courses that may be under review
- Stay flexible with program selection (e.g., consider MSc instead of MRes)
- Seek guidance from trusted advisors
📢 WAC Consultants Can Help
At WAC Consultants, we are closely monitoring the evolving UK immigration policies and BCA compliance risks.
We’re here to help you:
- Find alternative programs
- Understand your options
- Stay compliant and informed
📲Follow us for real-time updates on UK university admissions and policy changes.
📧 info@wacconsultants.com
📞Contact On WhatsApp:+92 320 9422666