The partial victory of Nigerian PhD student Sue Agazie against Newcastle University highlights the struggles many international students face in UK universities. Sue, who paused her studies due to kidney failure and a strained relationship with her supervisor, received a tuition fee refund and £5,000 in compensation. Newcastle University admitted to mishandling her case, acknowledging the absence of a second supervisor and the financial stress she endured.
This case mirrors the experience of Egyptian postgraduate Riham Sheble, who was awarded £12,000 in compensation by the University of Warwick. Sheble had requested more time to complete her studies after being diagnosed with cancer, but her plea was denied. Both women, racialized and disabled, navigated lengthy complaint processes while battling severe health challenges, risking their visa statuses and access to critical healthcare.
Organizations like Unis Resist Border Controls (URBC), founded by Sanaz Raji, play a crucial role in supporting such students. Raji, who faced similar challenges, has spent years researching the systemic racism and xenophobia migrant students encounter. Many students feel discouraged from filing complaints due to fears of visa repercussions and the time-consuming nature of the process.
A notable case is that of Oxford postgraduate student Lakshmi Balakrishnan, who alleged she was forcibly transferred from a DPhil to a master’s program. Her complaint was rejected, leading her to believe the university’s prolonged appeals process aimed to exhaust her into giving up. Despite her college and supervisors backing her academic ability, public reactions often dismissed her as entitled, reflecting deeper biases against migrant students.
The collapse of Nigeria’s currency earlier this year further exacerbated the plight of Nigerian students in the UK. Many struggled to pay tuition fees and were withdrawn from their courses, leading to visa curtailments. Protests at institutions like Teesside University and Manchester Metropolitan University largely went unanswered, leaving affected students without access to essential support services.
This lack of care contradicts the UK’s emphasis on student mental health. By locking students out of virtual learning environments, universities deny them access to mental health and disability support, compounding their struggles.
If the UK continues to ignore the needs of international students, it risks driving them to other countries offering more affordable and supportive education. High visa fees, health surcharges, and uncertainties around post-study work visas already deter many. Addressing these issues is essential to maintaining the UK’s reputation as a leading destination for international education.