Number has reduced by 70-80% this year, say educational consultants; 2010-11 saw a decrease of 25%.
The number of Indian students going to the UK for studies has been declining drastically for the past two years. While 2010-11 saw a decrease of 25%, consultants specialising in studies abroad have claimed a drop of 70-80% this year.
As per information provided by the UK Border Agency, the number of student’s visas issued from India in 2010 was 41,000, which dropped to 32,000 in 2011.
Britain has been in the process of finalising stricter visa rules in 2011. It abolished tier-1 post-study-work visa which allowed Indian and non-European countries’ students to take up a job there for two years after studies. With the stricter rules coming into effect from April 2012, a bigger drop in visa applications of Indian students has been seen this year.
“Big UK varsities, which used to admit 300-350 students till 2010, have got only 40-50 students this year. Students now prefer Australia, New Zealand and Canada,” says Tejash Thakkar, director of Apex Consultants.
The number had been on a rise for many years. From 3,300 students in 1998, the number had swelled 12-fold in 12 years.
A steep rise in pound value is another deterrent this year.
Sam Murray, regional communication manager of UK Border Agency (South Asia) admitted, “As expected, following changes to the student visa requirements, we have seen less applications compared to the same time last year. But the final figure will be drawn later as visa applications are generally made from August.”
Admissions in universities in the UK take place in August-September. A small number of students are admitted in January as well.
Tier-1 post-study-work visa was helpful for students in repaying their study loans. The UK government claims that the visa was being misused by bogus students from India and other non-European countries to get employment in the country, and hence, it was abolished. However, a British Council report reveals that just 3% Indian students want to stay in the UK after completion of their studies.
Under the new policy, highly skilled international students are allowed to stay provided they have a job offer of minimum £20,000 a year from a government-approved employer. But only 20,700 such workers will be allowed annually.
Amit Kapadia, executive director of UK-based High Skilled Manpower forum, expects further fall in the coming years, as universities may put more burden on international students due to the dull economy.
Meanwhile, the British Council and universities in the UK have opposed the abolishment of the post-study-work visa, as students from India and other non-EU countries bring revenue of £12 billon per annum.
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