A Kerala-born international student studying in the United Kingdom is facing possible deportation after the University of Hertfordshire withdrew her from her course and reported her to the Home Office over alleged non-attendance, resulting in the cancellation of her Student visa sponsorship.
The case has sparked renewed concern among international students in the UK—including many Africans—about how attendance monitoring, health-related absences, and visa sponsorship rules can quickly escalate into immigration consequences.
Student says she was still studying despite illness
Gayathri, who was studying BSc Pharmaceutical Science, says she was actively engaged in her studies under a university-approved Support to Study Action Plan. The arrangement allowed her to attend classes remotely due to a neurological condition that causes non-epileptic seizures.
She explained that despite repeated hospital visits during her second year, she continued attending online lectures, submitting coursework, and sitting for exams.
However, she claims she was never formally warned before being removed from the course. She only discovered the decision after logging into her student portal. Shortly after, the university reportedly informed the Home Office that it was withdrawing her visa sponsorship, leading to her visa cancellation from 13 July.
Appeal for review and support
According to Gayathri, several university staff members later confirmed in writing that she had remained academically engaged and recommended that her case be reconsidered. Despite this, the decision has not yet been reversed.
She also says returning to India would disrupt her ongoing medical treatment and place her in a difficult personal situation, adding that she had previously left due to family pressures and had been funding her education through loans, savings, and part-time work in care services.
Local MP Tom Rutland has since raised concerns, urging the university to clarify its decision-making process and review how disability and health-related cases are handled.
University response and visa uncertainty
The University of Hertfordshire has offered her the option to repeat her second year in September 2026. However, she has not yet been issued a new Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which is required to apply for a fresh student visa.
Without it, she remains at risk of losing both her academic progression and her legal right to remain in the UK.
The university has stated it is taking the matter seriously and is reviewing the situation but declined to provide further comment due to confidentiality rules.
What this means for African and international students in the UK
Cases like this highlight a critical reality for many African students studying in the UK: visa sponsorship is tightly linked to academic attendance and institutional reporting.
Universities are legally required to report changes in student engagement to the UK Home Office. Once sponsorship is withdrawn, visa cancellation can follow quickly—sometimes before internal appeals are concluded.
For students managing health conditions or personal emergencies, it is essential to:
- Ensure all support agreements are formally documented
- Maintain written communication with academic departments
- Understand attendance and progression requirements tied to visa status
- Seek early legal or student union advice when issues arise
Conclusion
The ongoing case has raised broader questions about how UK universities balance immigration compliance with student welfare, particularly for international students dealing with health challenges.
As investigations continue, the outcome may influence how institutions handle similar cases involving medical conditions, attendance concerns, and visa sponsorship responsibilities—issues that remain highly relevant for African students building their futures in the UK.
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