Government plans for student visas announced
The Home Secretary, Theresa May, announced the government’s plans for reform of the student visa system yesterday (22 March 2011).
The reformed system includes measures:
- raising English language requirements
- limiting the amount of part-time work students can do
- restricting the number of students who can bring dependents with them
- putting time limits on the duration of course
The new system, planned to come into effect in April, is expected to reduce the number of international students coming to the UK by up to 25%, but most of this reduction will come from changes to the accreditation of private colleges and should not affect the number of students coming to institutions, including Leeds, which have "highly trusted sponsor" status with the Home Office.
Universities UK has commented that, "The proposals take into account many of the concerns expressed by Universities UK and will allow British universities to remain at the forefront of international student recruitment."
Listen to, or read a transcript of, the Home Secretary's announcement
Read a summary of the proposed reforms
Read the Universities UK response
Read the Russell Group response
Posted in: Higher education news