A beacon of hope for millions of Indian students, who are hoping to study in the UK: a sudden increase in Tier-4 visas has been reported by the ONS.
According to the government report (ONS), there is a 6 per cent increase in the UK student visas after nearly 7 years of declining figures. Based on the report released by the Times Higher Education, 8,692 Tier-4 visas were granted between July and September 2016 compared to 8,224 during the same period last year.
Besides there is a 5 per cent increase in Indian students’ sponsored visa applications to study in the UK, which is the highest number since 2013. The post-study work visa abolition in 2012 was one of the main reasons behind the declining numbers of Indian students applying for study visas.
Richard Everitt, director of education at British Council India, told the Times Higher Education that the increase is an important market breakthrough point. Here is an excerpt from the conversation: "Deeper relationships between UK and Indian universities, greater transparency over the Tier-4 visa application process and an increase in scholarship opportunities".
He further commented saying that Indian students are not only pursuing traditional subjects like business and engineering but also slowly moving towards a wider range of subjects (off-beat subjects). He said: “Now we’re seeing [more choosing] law, media, fashion, and a broader range of subjects, and the UK has good offers in all those areas”.
However, Vivienne Stern, director of Universities UK International, said the sector should avoid getting 'over-excited' about the 'slight upswing' in Indian visa applications and acceptances. She said they want to address misconceptions about the UK as a study destination. Further to this, she said: “Messages around visas are sometimes over-interpreted by the Indian media”.
India ranks third in terms of study visa applications after the US and China.
Prime Minister Theresa May’s visit to India a few months ago and talks with the Indian government on Indian students' study visas were of prime concern. There is a slight ray of hope now, and as an UK Home Office spokesperson said: "We want to strengthen the system to support the best universities - and those that stick to the rules - to attract the best talent".
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News Source: Times Higher Education
Image source: University of Birmingham