Zuhaib Khan, R (on the application of) v Coventry University

Zuhaib Khan, R (on the application of) v Coventry University

Coventry University acted unlawfully and irrationally by failing to rescind its withdrawal of sponsorship or at least enquire with the Home Office after the claimant had paid his tuition fees and requested to resume studies. The university fettered its discretion and failed to consider relevant requests and...

Source-derived case information.

Parties
Claimant: Zuhaib Khan; Defendant: Coventry University
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
03 April 2026
Procedural Posture
Judicial Review / Final Judgment
Outcome
Claim allowed in part; declaration of unlawfulness granted, mandatory relief refused.
Legal Topics
Judicial Review of University Decisions, Student Visa Sponsorship, Fettering of Discretion, Article 8 ECHR, Rationality in Public Law, Compliance With Home Office Guidance
Administrative Law Immigration Law Education Law Judicial Review of University Decisions Student Visa Sponsorship Fettering of Discretion Article 8 ECHR Rationality in Public Law +1 more

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Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

Zuhaib Khan

Claimant

Coventry University

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Judicial Review / Final Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether Coventry University acted irrationally or unlawfully in failing to rescind withdrawal of sponsorship after payment was received
  2. 2 Whether the university fettered its discretion by refusing to reconsider sponsorship restoration
  3. 3 Whether withdrawal of sponsorship disproportionately interfered with the claimant's Article 8 ECHR rights

Ratio Decidendi

Coventry University acted unlawfully and irrationally by failing to rescind its withdrawal of sponsorship or at least enquire with the Home Office after the claimant had paid his tuition fees and requested to resume studies. The university fettered its discretion and failed to consider relevant requests and circumstances, breaching public law duties. However, mandatory relief to regrant a CAS was refused due to uncertainty over academic progression.

Court Disposition

Claim allowed in part; declaration of unlawfulness granted, mandatory relief refused.

Orders

  • Declaration that Coventry University's failure to rescind withdrawal of sponsorship was unlawful.
  • No mandatory order to regrant CAS to claimant.