Govt extends support to UK universities sponsoring foreign students

Sunday, 19 August 2012 - 11:07am India News Bulletin Desk

Hull University

Image: Wikimedia Commons (Paul Glazzard)

The UK government has launched a pilot scheme offering universities a range of specialist immigration services such as helping them check whether or not a potential student is eligible to come to the UK.

The special scheme for the universities is aimed at attracting more genuine students from overseas to the UK.

As part of the improvements, the UK universities will have a dedicated point of contact within the UK Border Agency and they will have access to expert advice and information.

The universities will also have access to training events on topics such as compliance and how to maintain highly trusted sponsor status.

“We have listened to feedback from the sector and we are bringing forward these improvements,” said immigration minister Damien Green.

“At the same time we are committed to radically reforming the student visa system to weed out abuse and protect the UK from those looking to play the system,” he added.

A recent study by Migration Watch UK found that 59% of Indian students coming to the UK are “bogus”.

In July, the government said it is toughening the interview system for student visa applicants to tackle concerns about the legitimacy of some applicants.

If the pilot services scheme is successful then the UK Border Agency will consider how the service might benefit other education institutions that sponsor international students, Green said.