Bloomsbury Institute loses right to sponsor student visas

The Bloomsbury Institute has been barred from sponsoring international students to study at its central London campus, two months after its licence was suspended.

The provider, which offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in business, law, and accounting, has failed to pass the Basic Compliance Assessment (BCA) overseen by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

The situation could seriously impact an institution that, in its most recent accounts, posted a loss before tax of £3.15 million.

According to the Home Office, a “small number” of existing international students may need to transfer to continue their education elsewhere, as the Bloomsbury Institute will only be allowed to continue teaching those from overseas for a “short” time.

Some may have to leave the UK if they decide not to transfer.

In June, stricter standards came into place to make the annual BCA check tougher on expectations around student enrolment and completion – but the Home Office has revealed the Bloomsbury Institute failed the assessment even before these updates were made.

Bloomsbury failed the test when the thresholds were set at maintaining a visa refusal rate of less than 10 per cent, an enrolment rate of at least 90 per cent, and a course completion rate of at least 85 per cent.

The provider, which rebranded from its original title as the London School of Business and Management in 2018, officially lost its licence on 5 August and it will be removed from the Register of Student Sponsors.

The Home Office said failing the BCA represented “a serious breach of its duties as an international student sponsor”.

“Where standards are not met, the Home Office will take action to protect students and the integrity of the immigration system,” it added.

The department said existing international students at the organisation “will not be affected immediately”, and that the Bloomsbury Institute will be permitted to continue teaching its current sponsor recipients “for a short period”.

“A small number of students are expected to be unable to complete their course within that window and they will be supported to transfer to another institution,” the Home Office said. “If they choose not to, they will need to apply for another visa route for which they are eligible or leave the UK.”

Impacted students have been advised to speak with the Bloomsbury Institute, though the Home Office has also promised further advice.

The department has pledged to work with relevant sector bodies including the Department for Education and Office for Students as the situation develops.

The Bloomsbury Institute had 820 students from outside the UK in 2024-25, Higher Education Statistics Agency figures show.

The provider was contacted for comment.

georgia.luckhurst@timeshighereducation.com