The UK has introduced a “visa brake” restricting Student visa applications from four countries, reflecting growing immigration controls that may affect international student mobility and university recruitment strategies.
China’s international branch campuses are expanding rapidly, promising global pathways and English-medium degrees. But new evidence suggests they disproportionately serve urban, affluent students, with family income emerging as a decisive factor in access. Rather than widening participation, these institutions risk reinforcing existing inequalities within Chinese higher education.
