IH began in 1989 with multiple campuses built up across the country making it one of the country’s most reputable ELICOS and vocational colleges for international students.
On Monday December 9th, 2024, we received the sad news that International House (IH) and International House Business College (ihBC) closed. Classes stopped being delivered on December 10th.
There have been many changes to the student visa program, resulting in over 170,000 student visas refusals to Oct 2024. As you can imagine, a huge number of education providers are struggling in such business conditions. There was hope that a buyer would save IH, but this did not come to be as the closure was the final outcome.
Unfortunately, the communication to both students and their education agents has been extremely confusing, but this is being clarified. Students are protected and you must know your rights.
What does this mean for me and my student visa?
If you have been affected by the closure, please do not panic. You have 3 months to get a new CoE.
Your unused tuition paid is protected by the Tuition Protection Service (TPS).
Your visa is not affected.
You do not have to move to Greenwich College as per the communication you received, if you prefer to study in another institution.
Talk to your education agent before signing anything.
Students can take this opportunity to reassess what they are studying, and potentially upgrade their education and/or change courses.
For anybody who has been affected, it is likely that you will have to apply for a new student visa to complete your studies, but the visa application fee will be free of charge as long as you apply within the next 12 months.
This is also an opportunity to add an extra course into your study plan, extending your student visa. A little perk to the sad situation!
If you would like to learn more about your rights, please continue reading on this page.
We are here to help if you need assistance in this difficult transition time.
