Prospect Burma’s Statement on the UK’s restriction of student visas
Prospect Burma is deeply saddened to learn of the UK Home Office decision to stop issuing study visas to students from Myanmar.
Since our foundation in 1989 as a UK charity dedicated to expanding access to international higher education for young people from Myanmar, we have supported 71 talented and committed students to study at universities across the UK. Upon graduation, most have returned to Myanmar to serve as lawyers, civil society leaders, journalists, environmentalists, health professionals and educators.
These students were not driven by personal gain but by a strong sense of responsibility to build the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to make a positive difference in their home country.
At a time when Myanmar faces unprecedented challenges from nationwide conflict ignited by the 2021 coup, investment in higher education is essential. The students we support consistently demonstrate their resilience and integrity. Many of our alumni return to work in education, healthcare, environmental protection, governance and community development. Others contribute through cross-border partnerships and capacity-building initiatives that directly benefit people and communities on the ground.
Applicants for our in-person scholarship programme look to the UK and its world-leading universities as a place where they can excel in their education and look forward to their future careers with ambition and purpose. We believe in the power of education to build bridges and strengthen long-term international relationships. Restricting access to UK universities risks isolating a generation of young leaders and impoverishing the wider experience of higher education for all learners.
Prospect Burma remains committed to supporting Myanmar students in their pursuit of education and to advocating for pathways that enable them to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to their country’s future.
For enquiries, please contact information@prospectburma.org
