A Sri Lankan student at Coventry University is at risk of deportation from the United Kingdom due to a one-day delay in her tuition fee payment reaching the university's system. Navodya De Silva, 25, who is pursuing a three-year undergraduate degree in international hospitality and tourism management, transferred the required £8,000 for her second year on 3 October 2025, three days before the 6 October deadline. However, the payment, processed through third-party provider Convera, arrived on 7 October—one business day late. Coventry University promptly withdrew its sponsorship and reported the matter to the Home Office, triggering the curtailment of her Student Route visa.
De Silva, whose father used his life savings to fund her £42,000 course, had excelled in her first year with high attendance and grades. She described the situation as devastating: "I did my part properly, paying my fees before the deadline. It was out of my control that there was a delay... my life will be ruined." This case highlights the rigid compliance requirements universities face as Student Route sponsors under UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) regulations, where even minor administrative delays can have catastrophic consequences for international students.
Timeline of the Incident
The sequence of events unfolded rapidly after the payment hiccup. De Silva initiated the transfer well in advance, but processing delays—common with international wire transfers—pushed receipt past the deadline. Coventry's enrolment system flagged the non-payment, automatically blocking re-enrolment. Within the mandatory 10 working days, the university notified UKVI via the Sponsorship Management System (SMS), leading to visa curtailment with 60 days' notice to leave or regularise status.
- 3 October 2025: Payment initiated via Convera.
- 6 October 2025: University deadline passes.
- 7 October 2025: Funds received by Coventry.
- Within 10 working days: Sponsorship withdrawn, UKVI notified.
- Subsequent: Visa curtailed; De Silva applies for further leave to remain.
De Silva now awaits a decision, unable to continue studies or work legally. If denied, deportation looms, nullifying her father's investment and derailing her career plans in Sri Lanka's tourism sector.
UKVI Student Sponsor Duties Explained
UK universities sponsoring international students on the Student Route visa hold significant responsibilities as licensed sponsors. The Home Office's Student Sponsor Guidance mandates reporting any breach of Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) conditions, including timely fee payment and enrolment, within 10 working days. Failure risks the sponsor's licence suspension or revocation.
Key requirements include:
- Verification of fee receipt before issuing CAS or allowing re-enrolment.
- Monitoring academic engagement (at least 50% attendance).
- Reporting changes like deferrals or withdrawals promptly.
Coventry, reliant on international fees (over 40% of revenue), enforces strict cut-offs to safeguard its A-rated sponsor status.
Coventry University's Compliance Stance
A spokesperson for Coventry University emphasised: "All students have a six-week timeframe... we issue clear guidance and reminders... balanced with our responsibility to comply with UKVI rules." The university uses Convera for payments, advising early submission, but insists deadlines are non-negotiable.
Coventry has faced prior scrutiny: In 2023, a glitch prevented final assignment submissions, risking visas for three students. A December 2025 High Court ruling found the university's refusal to rescind sponsorship post-late payment unlawful in another case, yet it persists with rigid policies amid UKVI pressures.
With international students comprising a large cohort, such measures protect against action plans that could halt new visas.
Similar Cases in UK Higher Education
This is not isolated. In October 2023, Coventry students faced visa risks from an IT glitch blocking submissions. Teesside University saw Nigerian students deported over naira devaluation delaying fees in 2024. Ghanaian PhDs at various unis threatened in 2025 due to unpaid scholarships. Swansea ejected three Nigerians for late payments in 2023.
UKVI data shows rising refusals (up 30% in key markets 2026), with 410,000 visas issued 2025 but applications down 25% early 2026. Over 1,500 sponsor revocations quarterly, unis fearing similar fate.
These cases underscore tensions between revenue needs and compliance amid post-Brexit, post-Covid scrutiny.
Impacts on Students and Families
For De Silva, deportation means no degree, wasted savings, and stalled career. Families bear emotional, financial burdens—£42,000 equates to years of Sri Lankan earnings. Broader: ~689,000 international students (2024/25), 50% non-EU, contribute £42bn economy. Visa fears deter applicants, unis lose diversity, revenue.
Stakeholders like UKCISA warn rigid enforcement exacerbates mental health issues, dropouts. X posts trend with outrage: "Universities rinse internationals then deport on technicalities."
Legal Recourse and Appeals Process
Students can seek administrative review (£80), judicial review, or further leave. De Silva applied for the latter. Success varies; 2025 Coventry case won on unlawfulness but no new CAS granted. UKVI acts only on sponsor reports; no direct fee role.
Lawyer Naga Kandiah calls it "disproportionate." Reforms urged for grace periods, better payment buffers.
University Pressures and Best Practices
Unis balance support with compliance. Coventry issues reminders, six-week windows. Best practices: multiple payment options, early buffers, dedicated advisors. UUK advocates policy tweaks amid 2026 compliance metrics.
Investing in SMS, training mitigates risks. Yet, revenue-dependent postgrad taught down 10%.
Stakeholder Perspectives and Calls for Change
UKCISA: "Enhance flexibilities." UUK: "Review reporting thresholds." Lawyers push judicial reviews. Home Office: Strict to prevent abuse. Social media amplifies calls for mercy.
Broader Implications for UK Higher Education
Int'l fees fund 15-40% budgets; compliance fears curb recruitment. 2026 rules tighten, refusal rates rise. Unis adapt with tech, support, but student trust erodes.
UKVI Student Sponsor Guidance details reporting duties.
Photo by Jantri Simbolon on Unsplash
Future Outlook and Actionable Advice
Expect stricter audits; unis invest £millions compliance. Students: Pay early (2-3 weeks buffer), track via portals, seek uni hardship funds. Explore scholarships via AcademicJobs scholarships. Constructive: grace periods, unified payment systems. UK higher ed must balance welcome with rules for sustainable int'l mobility.
