Many students dream of studying abroad but only a few are able to fulfill it. There are a number of reasons responsible for this such as stringent visa rules, huge funds required and fear of a diverse culture. However, we can say that studying abroad is a bag of mixed reactions based on the country you desire to study abroad in. Some of the top study abroad destinations for Indian students such as USA, UK and Australia have declared a number of reforms in the student visa regulations. But even this could not restrict the number of students aspiring to get degrees from foreign universities.

UK government, which is focused on attracting bright and sincere students instead of those who perceive UK as a hub of high paying jobs, has asked students to present the proof of availability of sufficient funds to support them during the entire course. Under the general category (Tier-IV) application students will be required to show that they have finances available for the entire course in the first year of their academics. To get admission in colleges or universities of inner London, they must present funds of £800-£1,000 every month for a span of 9 months and for outer London, £600 to £800 a month. Moreover, students will have to deposit a minimum of £1,000 for maintenance and accommodation.

In addition to this, the ‘Post Study Work’ facility will not be open for new applicants from April. As per this scheme, students were allowed to work in UK for 2 years after completing their course. The British High Commission notified that the UK government has replaced this system with a new scheme where only bright international candidates passing out from a UK university will be eligible to stay and work in UK. To avail this, they should have a job offer from a recognized recruiter with a salary of minimum £20,000 per annum.

Sources from a foreign education consultancy, New Delhi revealed that the reason behind these reforms is to check violation of student visa rules. However, these changes have not deterred the students having good scores and proper means to pursue their higher studies from abroad.

Sources from UK immigration department expressed that the country is keen to invite talented international students who come to study and not for employment opportunities. Their objective is to put an end to visa rules violating practices.

The US government has also hiked the visa fee from April 13, 2012 for students from $140 - $160 under both the ‘vocational’ and ‘academic’ categories. However, despite of the swings in US visa reforms, the number of Indian students going to US for higher studies is increasing and this number is expected to rise further in future.

Visa Rulebook

Source: Business Standard

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