UK launches visa scheme for overseas students

London, July 29: The UK has launched a pilot visa scheme for international students, including students from India, applying for a Masters degree course in select high- profile universities, that would allow them to stay in the country for six months after completing their course.

The Tier 4 Visa Pilot Scheme, launched by the UK Home Office this week, is open to students from around the world who win a place at one- year Masters courses at Imperial College London, Oxford, Cambridge or Bath universities.

It gives them access to a streamlined visa application, managed by their respective university and the opportunity to stay in the UK for six months after their studies to work, explore further study, try a start- up or travel.

“This pilot scheme is an encouraging step forward. The ability to stay on for six months will bring benefits to the students and to the country as our talented graduates will be able to pursue their entrepreneurial ideas, further study or add to the UK’s talent pool,” said Professor Alice Gast, Imperial College London’s president.

The scheme will cover visa applications decided on or after July 25 this year and is open to students commencing their studies in 2016- 17 or 2017- 18.