Is UK losing its sheen as a study abroad destination?
Once the most sought-after destination for higher studies, UK has lost its popularity among Indian students over the years.
In fact, most parents have to think twice before putting their faith in UK as a country that will craft their children’s future.
The Post Study Work norms and strict visa rules – which prevent Indian students from staying back and seeking employment opportunities in the UK post their bachelor’s or Master’s – have created negativity and uncertainty among students.
To make matters worse, the UK government recently published a new list of countries that are considered ‘low risk’ and excluded India from it.
Students from the enlisted countries will enjoy ease of Tier-4 visa rules, particularly in terms of educational, financial and English language requirements.
Despite the addition of countries such as China, Thailand, Serbia, Indonesia, Cambodia and Bahrain, India has been left out. This move is extremely disappointing and has created a sense of discomfort and dissatisfaction among students.
Although the reason behind considering India as a ‘high risk country’ has not been clearly stated, fingers are being pointed at the issue of Indian ‘overstayers’ and illegal migrants.
Unfortunately, the UK government has failed to differentiate between skilled resources and illegal migrants.
This trend has only increased the years, irrespective of the reputation of the institution that one studies in. Graduates from institutes of academic excellence such as Oxbridge, King’s, UCL, LSE etc are met with the same fate as that of illegal migrants. They are prohibited from being exposed to an international work culture, despite investing in the economy of the country.
As a result, there is no return on the investment that students and their parents make.
How can you deprive high quality and extremely competent students who are investing their money and faith in your country? How can you compare such invaluable resources to people who are engaging in illicit activities? This is a generalization by the UK government, which needs to be addressed immediately.
The representation of Asians in the British political scenario has also been of little help. Despite discussions surrounding the ease of post study work norms, there has been no progress whatsoever on this front. As a result, the number of Indian students going to the UK for their higher studies every year has witnessed a phenomenal drop, despite UK attracting one of the highest number of students.
According to reports published by Higher Education Statistical Agency (HESA), the numover ber of Indian students studying in the UK in the academic year 2013 - 2014 stood at 19,750. It dropped to 16,550 in 2016 - 2017, thus showing a 16% decline.
The numbers will show a further decline if this issue is not addressed immediately by policy makers.
As an expert in the education overseas space, I will not encourage Indian students to opt for their higher education in the UK, in light of the recent developments and lack of opportunity to work post graduation. I hope that the application procedure followed by both students as well as counsellors like us will not be complicated any further.
I also hope that the UK government will take note of the situation and allow students to work for at least a year after completion of bachelor’s or Master’s.
Policies promoting youth exchange, simplified documentation and enhanced educational and practical experience should be introduced.