Thousands of UK students still stuck in limbo over university strike

The University of Edinburgh is under investigation after mistakenly sending apology letters instead of degree certificates to students affected by a staff boycott of marking and assessment this year.

Amelia Dias, a 22-year-old American student who paid around £80,000 ($102,792) in tuition fees, was among those impacted. Without her degree, Dias cannot apply for the graduate visa necessary to stay in the UK, jeopardizing a job offer in London.

Tens of thousands of students across Britain have been affected by the months-long assessment boycott by staff, leading to disruptions in classes, exams, and now graduations.

With no clear resolution in sight, many students are left uncertain about their job prospects and postgraduate studies. International students also face the possibility of having to return to their home countries as their visas expire.

A spokesperson for the UK's Home Office stated that international students without results could request a letter of confirmation from their sponsor or apply for another student visa from their home country.

However, the lack of clarity and detail in the letters from the University of Edinburgh has caused difficulties for some students, such as American student Anna Hendricks, who may have to leave the country by the end of September.

The University of Edinburgh acknowledged the impact of the dispute on students and expressed regret for the continued uncertainty they face over their immediate futures.

The assessment boycott is part of a wider dispute over pay and working conditions affecting hundreds of thousands of workers in various sectors in Britain. The Universities and Colleges Employers Association offered a 5-8% pay rise, partially implemented in February, with the rest due in August. However, the University and College Union (UCU) continued its boycott, citing a 25% pay cut since 2009.

The UCU's refusal to grade students' work during the crucial assessment period led to some universities being unable to award degrees. The University of Edinburgh estimates that if the boycott ends as planned, students may receive their degree outcomes in November, but some could get their marks earlier.

Over 140 universities have been impacted by the boycott, including internationally renowned institutions. The dispute is particularly concerning for international students, who pay higher tuition fees, contributing significantly to the UK economy.

The longer the dispute persists, the greater the potential risk to Britain's universities' international reputation. The government has remained largely silent on the matter, although education minister Gillian Keegan urged a resolution.

The UK's universities heavily rely on the finances of international students, making their concerns about the situation and transparency of their payments understandable. The lack of resolution and its impact on students' futures highlight the urgency of finding a solution to the ongoing dispute.