The UK has long been a hub for international students seeking to broaden their horizons, stemming from its rich academic traditions and diverse cultural landscape. The High Potential Individual (HPI) visa helps cater for this growing demand, offering a pathway for qualified individuals to explore professional opportunities in the UK provided they meet specific degree, financial and English proficiency requirements.
The heart of the HPI visa lies in the requirement for an overseas degree level academic qualification, with degrees awarded within the five years preceding their visa application. To qualify, the applicant’s academic institution must appear on the Global Universities List, which is compiled and updated annually by the Home Office. Each year’s list is compiled from all non-UK institutions in the top 50 of at least two of the following ranking systems:
- Time Higher Education World University Rankings
- Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings, and
- the Academic Ranking of World Universities
The following institutions were on the 2023 list but are not on the 2024 list:
- Delft University of Technology (Netherlands)
The following institutions were not on the 2023 list but are on the 2024 list:
- Heidelberg University (Germany)
- University of Texas at Austin (USA)
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong)
- University of Munich (LMU Munich) (Germany)
The most recent update was published on 1 November 2024, and covers qualifications awarded between 1 November 2024 and 31 October 2025. You can find links to the Global Universities List here, by selecting the month and year the qualification was awarded.
How can we help?
If you need help or advice in understanding the eligibility requirements of the HPI visa, or need support in making your application please do not hesitate to get in touch.
