Education a vital link for UK, India
The relationship between the United Kingdom and India is uniquely strong. An Indian diaspora of more than 1.5 million people connects our two countries. From our boardrooms to our hospitals, Indians and Britons of Indian descent are a valued element of our society and our country. Education is a vital part of the historic link between our two countries, and it is one I am keen to support.
As many Indians know, the UK’s higher education sector has some of the most famous, prestigious and highly ranked universities in the world. They are leading lights in research, often at the forefront of pioneering and innovative developments, which will shape the world for many years to come.
I recognise the important contribution that international students make to both the academic and cultural make-up of the UK, which is why there are no limits on the number of students who can come to study here.
Almost 22,000 Indian students came to UK universities in the last year, a 42% increase on the previous year and almost 100% more than just three years ago. Also, 96% of Indian nationals applying for student visas are successful.
However, I recognise that alongside our academic excellence, Indian students want to know that they are studying in a country which can set them up for a successful career. While we already have a strong offer for international students, we are doing more by launching a new graduate immigration route. This will give talented international students greater opportunities to find work once they have completed their studies. It will be open to all international students at the undergraduate level or higher, who graduate in the summer of 2021 or after, irrespective of when they started their course.
In addition, applicants must have studied at a reputable Higher Education Provider. This protects the UK border as well as Indian students - by ensuring that we do not return to a system where bogus colleges and fraudulent agents abuse the system and undermine genuine students who do want to come here to study. These students will then be able to stay and work in the UK in any sector for two years after finishing their studies, giving them the opportunity to stay in this country and gain valuable work experience as they consider their long-term career options.
This government has been clear that it wants the best and brightest talent the world has to offer. The UK’s outlook going forward is global. Wherever in the world you are from, if you have talent and skills, then we want you here. We will do all that we can to make sure our world-leading industries, such as the higher education sector, remain competitive internationally. And attracting students from India is a key part of that ambition.
If you want to study at the best universities, with the richest histories and the best chances of building a successful career, the UK is the place to come to.