New Restrictions Hit Bangladeshi Applicants at Buckinghamshire New University

November 21, 2025 12:56 AM
Undergraduate Admissions Paused: New Restrictions Hit Bangladeshi Applicants at Buckinghamshire New University
Aspiring Bangladeshi students eyeing a bachelor’s degree at Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) face a significant hurdle this week as reports confirm a temporary restriction on undergraduate applications from the region. The move, which aligns with a broader tightening of UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) compliance measures, signals a shift in recruitment strategies for the upcoming April intake. While the university has not issued a blanket public ban, education agents have been instructed to pause undergraduate files from Bangladesh—a protective measure often triggered by regional fluctuations in visa refusal rates, Daily Dazzling Dawn realized.

The Undergraduate Freeze: What It Means-For students fresh out of HSC or A-Levels, this news is a stark reminder of the volatile UK immigration landscape. Despite BNU’s public website listing a GPA of 3.5 as the standard entry requirement for Bangladesh, the reality on the ground is different. The "restriction" is effectively a pause to safeguard the university's sponsor license, meaning undergraduate applications submitted now are highly likely to be deferred or declined regardless of academic merit. This targeted restriction underscores the importance of consulting with verified partners before commencing any application process this season.

A Silver Lining for Postgraduates-However, the news is not entirely bleak. While the door has closed for undergraduates, it has swung wide open for postgraduate applicants. BNU is actively courting Bangladeshi professionals for its Master’s programs, offering one of the most flexible policies in the UK sector. In a rare move, the university is accepting study gaps of up to 10 years for postgraduate candidates, provided they can supply valid job certificates and evidence of professional activity. This makes BNU a prime destination for mature students looking to pivot their careers after a decade in the workforce.

Financials and The "Agency" Installment Plan-For those eligible for the postgraduate route, BNU remains a financially competitive option. With the International Student Scholarship, tuition fees can drop to approximately £12,550 from the standard £15,000 mark.

Applicants should be cautious regarding payment plans. While some agencies are advertising a "five-installment" structure, students are strongly advised to verify this directly. The university’s official policy typically requires a 50% deposit to issue a CAS, with the remaining balance cleared in three standard termly installments. Relying on unofficial payment promises can lead to financial complications later in the academic year.

Compliance Reality Check: No Duolingo, Mandatory Interviews-The 2025 intake also spells the end of the "easy" English route. The use of the Duolingo English Test has been largely discontinued for South Asian applicants due to compliance updates. Students must now rely on secure tests like IELTS (minimum 6.5) or PTE.

Furthermore, dangerous rumors suggesting interviews are "not required" should be ignored. With the undergraduate route already restricted due to credibility concerns, postgraduate applicants will likely face rigorous Pre-CAS Interviews (PCI). Preparing for these credibility checks is now just as critical as the academic application itself.

A Historic Institution in Transition-Founded in 1891 as the School of Science and Art, Buckinghamshire New University has a rich heritage of transforming lives. It continues to perform well in national tables, ranking 73rd in the Guardian University Guide 2026 and securing a "Top 10" spot for student satisfaction in the Complete University Guide.

For Bangladeshi students, the message is twofold: the undergraduate path is currently blocked, but for genuine, prepared postgraduate students, BNU offers a prestigious and flexible home in the UK—provided they can navigate the stricter compliance landscape.