UK University RAG Rating System: What Nepali Students Must Know Before Applying in 2026

Big changes are happening for students planning to study in the UK .

From 1 June 2026, the UK Home Office (UKVI) updated its Student Sponsor Compliance system, introducing a Red–Amber–Green (RAG) rating to assess how universities and colleges comply with immigration rules.

If you are a Nepali student (or a parent supporting your child’s UK application), you need to understand this before picking a university.

**This article is based on UKVI Student Sponsor Compliance guidance and is intended for general informational purposes.**

What Is the RAG Rating System?

The RAG rating is not based on an average score. Instead, the overall outcome is determined by the lowest-performing metric.

The Three Metrics UKVI Measures

Here’s exactly what UKVI checks and the new thresholds from June 2026:

[Note: The updated course completion threshold of 90% applies to assessments from 1 June, 2027. Until then, the minimum requirement remains 85%.]

How This Directly Affects You as a Nepali Student

International students may face more checks if they are from the countries that have higher visa refusal rates overall. Here is what this means for Nepalese students practically:

• Green-rated universities will still offer CAS freely to strong applicants
• Amber-rated universities cannot increase their CAS numbers, so fewer offers will go out
• Red-rated universities face a CAS reduction of at least 10%,  meaning they will become very selective and may reject applicants they would have previously accepted
• If a university loses its licence, your visa application could be put on hold or even refused

Will You Be Able to Check a University’s RAG Rating?

Despite what you may have read elsewhere, UKVI will publish RAG ratings publicly on the Register of Student Sponsors. This means you, your parents, or your consultant can check a university’s rating online, for free.

[You can check the Register of Student Sponsors here:]
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-students

 

What Happens If a University Gets a Red Rating?

If a university receives a Red rating:

• Their CAS allocation is cut by at least 10%
• They receive a Final Warning that stays active for the next 5 assessments
• They are placed on an Action Plan for a minimum of 12 months
• If they fail again within those 5 assessments, their licence can be revoked

If a university’s licence is revoked:

• Current students may be allowed to continue for up to 6 months or until the end of the academic year
• Students with pending visa applications face delays or refusals
• Students who haven’t travelled yet will have their visa cancelled

Quick Tips for Nepali Students Applying to UK Universities in 2026

• Check the Register of Student Sponsors before finalizing your university shortlist
• Prioritize Green-rated universities: they are the safest choice
• Have a strong application profile: academic documents, financial proof, and a clear study purpose
• Apply early: Amber and Red universities will be issuing fewer CAS offers
• Avoid universities that have been flagged for high refusal rates in your nationality group
• Be cautious of any source telling you RAG ratings are secret because they are not

Final Word

The RAG rating system is used by the UK to monitor how well universities follow student sponsor rules. It can indirectly affect international students by influencing admissions and CAS decisions. The key is to do proper research, check the official register, and ensure your application is strong.

If you need help understanding which UK universities are a good fit for your profile, our team at Goreto Educational Consultancy is here to guide you through every step.

Contact us or visit our nearest branch today!