THE UK government has announced reforms in student visas as part of its effort to minimise abuse within the educational system.

The reforms made public on Wednesday by UK Home Minister Theresa May follows an extensive consultation process on student visas. In a statement issued by the British Council, the minister said UK wanted to retain bright young people with innovative ideas particularly in fields of science, technology and design to help drive economic growth and productivity. The British government would implement a “brand new route” specifically to attract student entrepreneurs. As per the new system, education institutions in UK wanting to be sponsors of international students will have to abide by tougher rules, and those going to study at degree level will have to speak a higher level of English than before. Only students at universities and publicly-funded further education colleges will retain the right to work, while only governmentsponsored students, and certain postgraduate students, will be able to take their dependants to the UK during the course of their studies.

“My aim is not to stop genuine students coming here; it is to eliminate abuse within the system,” said May. “I am delighted to announce that alongside our stricter rules, we will implement a brand new route specifically to attract student entrepreneurs.”

Other new measures include limit on the overall time that can be spent on a student visa in the UK and the need for graduates to secure a skilled job with a Tier 2 sponsor for work in the country.

Published on: 24 March 2011 | The Kathmandu Post