UK - Amended Visa Rules - Can Apply Now!

United Kingdom is the most preferred destination by international students for its world renowned high quality education system which is its century old tradition. So if you have overseas education on your mind then now is the time, avail the opportunity and apply to renowned universities of UK for your aspired area of specialization.

In Apr' 09 Britain announced new immigration rules for students from India known as Points Based System (PBS). The new system is more transparent, easily understood and simplifies the existing rules for students. This hassle-free visa system of UK is the acting magnetism which encourages international students to choose UK, which has attracted 30% more students to study in 2008.

The PBS also is for those wanting to migrate to UK for study or work. It awards, points for objective criteria such as qualifications, previous earnings, age and UK experience. Under the new rules, universities and colleges will take more responsibilities of international students, which in turn ensures a safe stay for students in the new environment, a sigh of relief for the parents.

According to the latest amendments to the PBS on 1st June the visa applicants can show the funds required to cover the course fees and living expense available on or before the day of visa application rather than the requirement of the funds being of 28 days old. The loan requirement is also now revised. Applicants account number on the loan document is not mandatory.

The university in UK have higher rankings in the World and a wide range of courses are offered. The courses which a student can enhance his/her knowledge are applied and pure sciences, MBA, business, finance and administrative studies, legal studies, communications, tourism, computer and mathematics, architecture, creative arts, music, literature, fashion, human resource management, etc.

A degree from renowned university in UK will see your career soar to new heights. One of the biggest advantages of UK education is its accelerated one-year Masters degree for almost all courses, which saves you substantially enough time and money. Universities recognize the Indian education system of three-year graduation which means an Indian graduate can enter an MBA or Masters after graduation. For the undergraduate a single application takes care of 5 universities thus cutting short on the application process time.The student must show funds to support his living for 9 months and his tuition fees for one year only. The best method to learn more about the Universities and gain a quick recommendation / decision on your application is to meet the universities on a one is to one basis when they meet students at their representatives offices such as Edwise. Please see the website www.edwiseinternational.com to find the University of your choice visiting your city.

Edwise is one of the best national representative of a large number of institutions from around the world.

For those worried about the recession, all studies, logic and trends show that it is better to study now and acquire a qualification and be prepared for the future when employment opportunities open up.

The other good news for the aspiring student is the new opportunity announced by British Government for successful international graduates of UK institutions to work in the UK for up to two years. With increased demand for Study in UK and immigration friendly rules, why are you holding up? Apply now to universities in UK to set the firm foundation stone for your career.

Ring in the new academic year in UK

'Prepare in advance' may be the mantra if you want to study abroad. But fortunately, there are exceptions to every rule. So if you think you are too late to apply for February/September intakes for 2009 for pursuing education in the United Kingdom, you are wrong. The good news is admissions are still open for the upcoming intakes and you can still enroll for them. So hurry and approach counsellors at Edwise who will guide you on the quickest and easiest route towards your goal.

For over a century now UK has been the mecca of quality education. Winny Rawal who got through to Coventry University to pursue her Automotive Engineering degree in January 08 vouches for her UK experience. "Getting here was hassle free. I am impressed with the study techniques which are interactive and practical as opposed to theory-oriented," she says. Rawal is joined by thousands of like-minded students who are pursuing their degrees in UK currently.

Students can specialize in many popular courses like International Business, Satellite Communication, Fashion Retailing, Broadcast Journalism, Engineering, Biotechnology, Forensic Science, Sports Management, etc. MBA happens to be the most sought after course because of the current market demand.UK offers several incentives to Indian students aspiring to study in its universities and colleges. The biggest advantage is its one-year Masters Degree for almost all courses, which saves you time and money. Secondly, unlike universities in other countries, most universities in UK recognize the Indian education system of three-year graduation. Thirdly, you can apply to numerous universities on the same application form, as UK has a central system known as UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admission Service), which clears applications for first degrees. 

What's more, you can take your pick from a plethora of courses in every conceivable subject. As Jamie Vegad International Officer of De Montfort University (DMU) puts it "At DMU, we offer an outstanding range of courses, designed to meet the needs of international students in today's global job market."

The British Government has streamlined its visa process in recent years to make it more user-friendly for international students. Post your degree, UK also provides you with a stayback opportunity. In fact, international graduates from UK are free to seek employment for up to two years under Tier 1 of the Points Based System (PBS) - under which points are awarded for objective criteria such as qualifications, previous earnings, age and UK experience.

Tier 1 permits 2 years of stay permitted and allow international graduates to find work in the UK without the need for a sponsor or work permit.

Students are cautioned that it is important to process their applications from a "Trusted Partner of the British High Commission. Promoting Education in the UK" as they offer quality certified counseling services and assist with visa formalities. So what are you waiting for? When it comes to making a decision to pursue a degree in UK, it's never too late.

UK Education - key to success

Think UK, and the hallowed portals of Oxford and Cambridge Universities come to mind. This is just another example of the fact that high quality education is a century-old tradition in the land of Shakespeare. And if quality education abroad is what you're looking for, then your search can end here, say education consultants Edwise.

Indian students are pursuing higher education in the UK in record numbers, representing the second largest number of international students there. Nitin Udamale currently doing MSc Computer Forensic at University of Glasgow says "Studying in UK not only helps you get global knowledge but also gives you the chance to interact with people from all over. It gives you the freedom to choose modules within courses as per your interest and get a world class education.'

Universities in UK offer a plethora of courses, like applied and pure sciences, MBA, business, finance and administrative studies, medicine, legal studies, communications, tourism, computer and mathematics, architecture, creative arts, music and literature. What's more, students with UK qualifications are recognised worldwide. In fact, UK institutions adhere to such strict criteria, that many other countries are now trying to emulate the high educational standards set by the UK. That's why a degree from one of UK's renowned universities and colleges serves as a tremendous boost for your career.

One of the biggest advantages of UK education is its one-year Masters Degree for almost all courses, which saves you considerable time and money. That's not all -- unlike universities in other countries, most UK universities recognize the Indian education system of three-year graduation.

Entry criteria for enrolling into Top universities in UK  do not require a herculean effort and can be done in a jiffy with a little advice from Edwise consultants. And with the January/February intakes fast approaching, now would be the perfect time to set the ball rolling by starting work on the application procedure.

The British Government has streamlined its visa process in recent years to make it more user-friendly for international students. Most applicants from India who provide a confirmed offer from a UK University and evidence of financial support for tuition fees and living costs are issued visas.

In the UK, students are guaranteed on-campus accommodation by many universities, for at least their first year. Students also have the option of shared homestay or flats/apartments.

And post your degree, UK also provides you with a stayback opportunity. The latest heartening news is that from June 30 onwards, international graduates who have studied in the UK will be free to seek employment for up to two years under Tier 1 of the Points Based System (PBS) - a new system for managing migration for those wishing to enter the UK for work and study. Points are awarded for objective criteria such as qualifications, previous earnings, age and UK experience.

The best part of this is that Tier 1 permits twice the length of stay permitted under the old International Graduate Scheme (IGS) rules and allows the most able international graduates to find work in the UK without the need for a sponsor or work permit. The new system is applicant-friendly, acting as an open invitation to those interested. So what are you waiting for: head to the UK to share the experience that Bill Clinton, former president of USA, renowned human rights campaigner Desmond Tutu and cricket legend and politician Imran Khan have had before you.

Visa - The Critical Step

Admission in an international university program does not ensure that you get a visa. Whether you can travel and study abroad or not, depends solely on a single all-important approval that can make or break your future plans: your student visa.

The visa is one of the most important steps in the process and often results in a lot of anxiety. Each country has specific requirements and you have to meet the requirements.

The rules and regulations for getting a student visa can get confusing as it varies for each country. But the good news is that you can easily overcome this hurdle by being prepared with all the requisite documents and fulfilling all the requirements before you submit your application, say counselors at Edwise. Knowledge of the visa application procedure will ensure that the student is clear about the process and does not fall prey to any malpractice or procedural bottlenecks.

Principally you need to demonstrate that you are a genuine student, and have the financial ability and propose to study a relevant course.

Common requirements for a Visa application are: A correct application form, visa fees, confirmed offer letter of the university (I-20, CAS,etc), passport with a validity of over 6 months, recent picture, required finance in acceptable format, academic documents and relevant test scores such as IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT, SAT, GRE.

It is important to understand how much funding is required in liquid and semi liquid form. Some factors looked into by the visa officer are the regular flow of income, income tax returns, relationship with sponsor, bank account statements, education loans, recent financial  activity ,source of funds, assets etc.

UK

The new student visa process under the Tier 4 of the Points Based  System is simpler, more transparent, easy to obtain, as the process is streamlined for genuine applicants with valid CAS documents and are able to show the required funds in an acceptable format.

USA

Students need to book a date in advance and submit all documents too but the main factor is the interview. Starting early helps as dates fill up.

Canada 

The Canadian High Commission, have launched a new visa category known as Students Partners Program (SPP)  whereby one can expect the full visa process to be completed within 2 – 3 weeks. Under this Program, Students should opt for Educational Bank loans along with a good IELTS score . For those not taking a loan the process is 6-8 weeks.

Australia

Some rules have been  relaxed for India from this year. Diploma or advanced diploma at a higher education institution will be assessed for Higher Education at Subclass 573 AL-3. Boarding fees can be paid in advance to the education provider which can be deducted from living cost for visa. Now we can show 3 months old funds, anyone can sponsor and show funds upto 24 months or course duration whichever is less for AL-3. Medicals can be done in advance to save time. TOEFL, PTE and Cambridge English will be introduced later this year.

New Zealand

The visa process is very simple and fast for those candidates who fall in positive profile. Students can show funds of relatives and those students who have problem in showing funds can opt for the FTS scheme. Students can take their spouse as dependents.

Documents Presentation plays significant role while evaluating overall application. Please ensure documents are perfectly presented, self explanatory and verifiable.

So with all the above odds of visas it is clear that proper guidance is mandatory and that is exactly what the visa counselors at Edwise execute. So start now with your visa process.

Sushil Sukhwani

Director

Edwise