UK Universities' Red, Amber and Green Ratings Explained (2026)
The Home Office now rates every UK student sponsor Red, Amber or Green on visa refusals, enrolments and course completions. What the ratings mean, when they'll be published and what they change for Indian students.
By Al Ameen Mohammed Ali, Founder & CEO, AimBritz
Published 12 November 2026
Short answer
Since 1 June 2026 the Home Office rates every licensed UK student sponsor Red, Amber or Green using its students' visa refusal, enrolment and completion rates — the worst of the three sets the colour. Red or Amber universities face CAS cuts or caps. No ratings have been published yet; the first round will be released all at once on the official sponsor register.
Where the ratings come from
The May 2025 Immigration White Paper promised a Red-Amber-Green banding so that it is clear to universities, the authorities and the public which institutions are compliant. It came into force through the Home Office's student sponsor guidance, used for annual compliance assessments (the Basic Compliance Assessment, or BCA) applied for on or after 1 June 2026.
The thresholds
Each university is measured on three rates. Its overall colour is the lowest of the three — not an average.
| Measure | Red | Amber | Green |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa refusal rate | 5% or more | 4% to under 5% | under 4% |
| Enrolment rate | under 95% | 95% to under 96% | 96% or more |
| Course completion rate | under 90% | 90% to under 92% | 92% or more |
What each colour means for the university
- ·Green: no action.
- ·Amber: can't assign more CAS than it used the previous year until it's back to Green, plus compulsory meetings with the Home Office.
- ·Red: an action plan of at least 12 months, a cut of at least 10% in its next CAS allocation, a final warning, and possibly losing privileges such as assessing students' English itself. Failing several measures, or a second Red, can lead to its licence being revoked.
- ·Completion doesn't count in the first rating, and the stricter 90% completion level applies from June 2027.
When will the ratings be published?
The ratings will appear on the Home Office's official register of licensed student sponsors. For the first round, no university's rating will be published until every sponsor has been rated — then they'll all be uploaded together. As of 11 November 2026 the register shows no ratings yet, so any list of "Red" or "Green" universities you see online now is not official.
What it means for you
Every refused CAS counts against the university's refusal rate, so universities have a strong reason to admit only applicants they are confident about. Expect:
- ·More credibility (pre-CAS) interviews and closer document checks.
- ·Earlier deadlines and larger tuition deposits before a CAS is issued.
- ·Deposit refund rules that exclude refusals caused by not following visa guidance.
- ·Universities that use agents must now commit to the UK Agent Quality Framework — so choose a certified, accredited consultant.
Should you avoid Amber or Red universities?
Not automatically. A rating is about the university's compliance, not the quality of its teaching, and you can still get a visa to study at an Amber or Red university. But a university under pressure may have fewer CAS to give and stricter checks, so apply early and make your application airtight. Once the official ratings are published, we'll check every university on your shortlist against the register.
Common questions
What is the UK RAG system for student visas?
A Home Office Red-Amber-Green rating of every UK student sponsor, introduced from 1 June 2026, based on its students' visa refusal, enrolment and completion rates. The lowest of the three sets the colour.
Is there an official list of red, amber and green UK universities?
Not yet. The first ratings will be published together on the official register of licensed student sponsors once every sponsor has been rated. As of 11 November 2026 none are published.
Can I get a UK visa for a university rated Amber or Red?
Yes. The rating affects the university's CAS allocation and compliance obligations, not your eligibility. Expect stricter checks and apply early.
What refusal rate must UK universities stay under?
Under 5% for compliance assessments from 1 June 2026 (it was 10%). Under 4% is needed for a Green rating on that measure.
Official sources
This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm them on the official sources before you apply — or get your own case checked in a free session.
Free consultation
Every case is different. Get this checked against your own profile — free, with a British Council–certified counsellor.
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