UK degrees still hot among Indian students

Even while representatives from the United Kingdom (UK) universities are open to the fact that the job scene back home was far from encouraging, it did not dampen the enthusiasm of local students from participating in the Education UK Exhibition, organised by British Council in Bangalore on Monday.

Within minutes of opening, hundreds of students networked with the representatives from 58 universities and participants numbered about 4,000.

“I won’t say getting a job is easy. However, it is getting better especially with the upcoming Olympic Games, which is expected to bring in billions,” said a representative from London South Bank University.

An Indian representative from the University of Leeds had a similar view.  “It’s better to tell students about the real situation, especially since the finances involved are really steep. Now, although the scene is bad, it is improving. Many students currently are opting to come back and take up jobs, freelance, etc,” she said.

“Although, getting a job is important at the end of the course, it is the quality of education that we are looking at. I am hoping that by the time I finish my course, the prospects will improve,” said a student at the fair.

A seminar on student visas was also held, which was conducted by the UK Border Agency.

Elaborating on prospective students’ queries, Tommy Sanmoogan, from the UK Border Agency, said that a key change that will be applicable is: Changes in visa rules from April 2012, which include courses offering work placements, will have to have a study-work ratio of 66:33, except at higher education institutions.
Along with it, a maximum time of five years in Tier 4 studying at degree level and above, with exceptions for some courses and PhD students.

Once again this year engineering and management remained the top preferences.