UK faces over 30% fall in study visa applications

By Ruchi Shrimali

British universities had already been opposing student visa curbs by the UK government. Now, their fears have turned out to be true as there has been a significant dip in the number of applications from Indian students for the academic year that will start in September-October 2012. The actual picture will only be clear by September, but at present, the estimated decline is more than 30 per cent. See why students are wary of UK studies

The abolition of post-study work visa has been cited as the main reason for this dip in the number of Indian students applying for British universities. The Russell Group that comprises some of the most reputed universities in Britain such as Oxford, Cambridge and the London School of Economics, and Universities - UK had already warned the government that its crackdown on migration would become an impediment to attracting overseas students. Read more

The loss of UK is an added opportunity for Australia, Canada, and other English-speaking European countries that attract Indian students because of their quality education and more liberal student visa policies. British universities have urged the government to review their international student policy and make it more student friendly. See details

International students in British universities and colleges are the biggest source of migrants in Britain from outside the European Union. Hence, stringent student visa rules are seen as necessary by the British government to reduce immigration in the country. Know more

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