Britain, Still the Undisputed leader in higher education!

Britain is beginning to topple the current leading destination country for overseas students from its position as the most popular place to study, according to a survey published by a study forum, recently.

Prospective students from around the world reckon the UK is safer than the similar countries, has respected higher education institutions and is easier to get a visa to study in. Given that the reputation of British universities is high and that overseas students have a good experience in the UK, which gives international students the sense that they are getting value for money.

International students from countries like India felt it would be easier in England because the educational structure and language (British English rather than American English) are similar to theirs.

New student visa system:

As per the point based system of UK Immigration, an adult student who is coming to the UK for post-16 education has to apply for a student visa under Tier 4 (General) of the UK Immigration’s points-based system. As an international student to qualify for a student visa under the PBS should be able to achieve 40 points;

The point game:

To claim 30 points the student should have obtained a valid confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) and the Tier 4 sponsor has met all the requirements of the Immigration Rules when they assign the said CAS.

To claim 10 points for maintenance (funds) a Tier 4 student must show evidence that he /she has enough money to cover his / her remaining course fees and living costs if, any.

How long an International student can stay in UK?

As per the new law, students entering UK to study at the Bachelor Degree (Level 6) and below are permitted to be in the country for a maximum period of 5 years to complete the programme/s and those who are entering the country to study above Level 6 and Master’s Degree are permitted to stay for a maximum period of 3 years to complete it successfully.

After Study:

Students after completing a Master Degree level course are entitled to apply for a work permit if they are able obtain a job offer from an eligible employer in an occupation which is listed in the shortage category.

The other route is Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Migrants : This route is for exceptionally talented individuals in the fields of science, humanities, engineering and the arts, who wish to work in the UK in future.

Work Permit:

International full time students studying a programme which is longer than 6 months at government funded colleges are permitted to do 10 hours per week part time job and full time during vacation

Those who are studying at higher education Institutions / Universities, as mentioned above, are entitled to do 20 hours per week part time job and full time during Vacation.

Student Dependents and work right :
Dependents of those who are registered in a full time Level 7 (Post Graduate) or above and lasting 12 months or more are eligible for student dependent visas with permission to work restricted only to spouse.