Statement on UK Ban on Student Visas from Sudan
The impact of the visa suspension
In recent weeks we have learned of the UK government’s decision to suspend student visas from Sudan. This unprecedented decision has immediate and significant implications for Sudanese students who had planned to pursue postgraduate study in the UK, including individuals supported by Windle Trust International (WTI).
Several scholars on the WTI Postgraduate Programme had already successfully applied for UK courses of study and been nominated for scholarships. This year alone, nine talented Sudanese candidates, including a female engineer, a university lecturer, an executive director of a non-profit, and three female health professionals, are now ineligible for selection. As one of our Sudanese scholars impacted by the visa ban says:
“Being nominated by WTI for a scholarship meant hope and a future for me. As a Sudanese refugee who has worked hard to pursue education despite many challenges, the Home Office’s decision feels devastating. It closes a door that represented not only an academic opportunity but also safety, stability, and the chance to contribute positively to my community and the world. I still hope that this decision will be reconsidered so students like me are not denied the opportunity to learn and grow.”
Alumni and our work in Sudan
With a 92% return-to-Africa rate across the programme, WTI alumni have consistently taken the knowledge and skills gained through postgraduate study back into their own countries and communities. Former scholars have gone on to improve education provision, shape humanitarian and development programming, strengthen health systems, and contribute to public leadership. This illustrates the wider impact of investing in Sudanese students: the benefits extend far beyond the individual scholar, positively affecting the communities and systems they go on to serve.
Since opening its Khartoum office in 1999, WTI has spent more than two decades expanding access to education in Sudan. Despite the ongoing civil war, WTI continues to support more than 350 undergraduate scholars across the country. While the conflict that erupted in 2023 caused severe disruption to schools, universities, and students’ ability to continue their studies, WTI has worked to ensure that these opportunities are not lost. By supporting existing scholars to resume or continue their education and continuing to invest in new scholars, WTI has remained committed to education even in the most challenging circumstances.
In Sudan and other conflict-affected contexts, education is not only a pathway to individual opportunity but also supports community resilience, peacebuilding, and long-term recovery. Sudanese scholars who access postgraduate education frequently return to work in education, health, research, and public service, contributing to rebuilding institutions and supporting their communities. We believe education unlocks potential, strengthens communities, and creates brighter futures.
Sustaining education pathways in Sudan
We remain committed to expanding access to quality education for conflict-affected communities in Sudan and across the East and Horn of Africa. Alongside our regional partners, we continue to support students, teachers, and institutions through programmes that strengthen education systems and create pathways to higher education.
In response to the current visa suspension, we are working with UK universities and lobbying organisations to assess its immediate and lasting consequences. We are also supporting and amplifying the advocacy efforts of Sudanese groups raising concerns about the impact of this policy on students and academic exchange.
At the same time, we are strengthening alternative education pathways in the region through the James Aryam Postgraduate Scholarship – this current application round will support female refugees to pursue education-related postgraduate degrees at leading universities in Uganda. One current scholar, Eilaf, exemplifies the transformative impact of the James Aryam Scholarship: a Sudanese refugee injured in the conflict, who has overcome significant challenges and is now pursuing a Master’s in Public Health, advocating for women’s health and aims to give back to her community.
A call to support Sudanese students
At a time when international study pathways are becoming more limited, initiatives such as the James Aryam Scholarship are more important than ever. Those who wish to support this work can help expand opportunities for refugee scholars by donating to the scholarship programme.
Education has long been a bridge between countries, institutions, and communities. Ensuring that Sudanese students can continue to access international education opportunities is an important investment in the future of Sudan and in the shared global value of education.
While we continue to support students through alternative pathways, we strongly encourage the UK Home Office to reconsider the suspension of student visas for Sudan. Access to higher education enables talented individuals to develop the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to their communities and to wider global challenges.
Those who wish to support this effort can also contact their MP using our email template* to express support for maintaining access to education opportunities for Sudanese students.
We remain steadfast, driven by our mission for everyone to be empowered by education.
Windle Trust International
*To find the email address of your MP, you can look it up here. Please ensure that you edit the template to include your own name, address, and post code.