Higher Education in the UK becomes (en)viable
The UK has launched a new ‘Graduate Immigration Route’ (GIR) for international students choosing the UK for their Higher Education.
This new Visa allows students pursuing Higher Education in the UK, to stay and work or, to look for work, for two years, on completion of their education. It will provide greater opportunities for talented international students to remain in the UK for two years, to work, once they have successfully completed their studies, the British High Commission (BHC) in Colombo said.
The GIR will be available to all students who have successfully completed a course of study at undergraduate level or, above, with a recognised Higher Education Provider. This new Visa, to be introduced from the 2020-2021 academic year, will also include safeguards to ensure, only genuine, credible students are eligible.
"The GIR demonstrates that the UK is focused and committed to attracting the best students from around the world, and demonstrates the value we place on the contribution of international students to the UK and its economy,” the BHC said.
British High Commissioner Sarah Hulton, said, “This is excellent news for Sri Lankan students who want to study in the UK. It will give them the flexibility to build on a first class UK education, with the opportunity to work and get life experience. It’s a win-win for the UK and for Sri Lanka”.
British Home Secretary Priti Patel said, “The new GIR will mean, talented international students can study in the UK and then gain valuable work experience, as they go on to build successful careers. It demonstrates our global outlook and will ensure that we continue to attract the best and the brightest”.
The BHC said, often referred to as a ‘PostStudy Work Visa’, the new GIR will launch for the 2020-'21 intake of students to UK universities. After two years, they will be able to switch onto the Skilled Work Visa, if they find a job, which meets the skill requirement of the Visa. Further details will be announced in due course.