The UK government on Thursday published further details of the changes in the student visa system that was introduced a week ago. According to a press statement issued by the British Embassy in Kathmandu, the changes will be introduced gradually to allow the UK education providers and international students time to adjust.

With tougher entrance, limits on work entitlements and closure of post-study work route, the UK had announced a major overhaul of the system on March 22 to minimise  abuse and building up the global reputation of the country as a provider of high quality education. The first set of changes to the student route will be implemented on April 21, introducing an interim limit for the education providers that do not currently meet the new accreditation requirements on the number of international students they may sponsor.

The changes will also introduce a requirement for students wishing to study at the degree level and above to speak English at upper intermediate (B2) level. Further changes will be introduced in the summer 2011, April 2012 and by the end of 2012.

Published on: 2 April 2011 | The Kathmandu Post