The recent announcement of the changes in the UK student VISA system has sparked many a concern both in Sri Lanka as well as in Britain. However Tony Reilly, OBE, Director of the British Council in Sri Lanka was quick to confirm that there was no cause for worry as the new system brought about several advantages that were not present in the old system and was in fact more beneficial to the students.
"Genuine International students bring immense value to the UK.

Tony Reilly, OBE, Director of the British Council in Sri Lanka

They enhance our institutions academically and culturally and many become lifelong friends and advocates for the UK when they return home. It is in the interests of Britain to continue to welcome genuine students from Sri Lanka and other countries around the world. Sri Lankan students are much sought after by UK Universities. They are valued for their academic ability, English language skills and adaptability. They enrich our universities in so many tangible and intangible ways," said Tony Reilly.

The new system will see a tremendous review and assessment programme being undertaken whereby the universities and colleges in UK will be monitored and reviewed by statutory education inspection bodies following which they will be granted a 'highly trusted sponsor' status. This qualification will in fact ensure that prospective students and parents need not have any fear as to the quality and bona fides of the educational institution.

This will put an end to the actions of certain unscrupulous agents and associations who have in the past taken advantage of students. In a country such as Sri Lanka education has always been a highly valued investment for which parents sacrifice so much. In this context, having the assurance of the government of UK that the relevant educational institute is accredited and has been inspected not only protects the prospective students but also the reputation of UK education.

With the revamped highly trusted Sponsor status, comes the upgrading of English proficiency levels. What was earlier a B1 level requirement has been upgraded to a B2 level requirement. This in the long run will benefit the students as this ensures the student's ability to adapt and adjust to the proficiency expected in their relevant degree.

This requirement is solely for undergraduate and postgraduate studies only. The UK understands and recognizes that students do take several alternative pathways before entering graduate level studies and have therefore provided a substitute method for English Proficiency. Under this programme, students wishing to enter through a foundation level, diploma etc will be allowed a B1 level knowledge of English. However the institution they sign up with offering the pathway option must be an institute that has formed a partnership with a highly trusted sponsor University or college. This method strengthens the quality and responsibility of these pathway options as well. Universities entering into these partnerships will be alert to the reputation of their affiliated institutes as any problem will result in the abolition of their highly trusted sponsor status.

The other significant change in the system has been the right to work. Students at universities and publicly funded further education colleges will retain their right to work part-time, however the post study work route will be closed. The two year period allowed to graduates to seek employment in the UK following their studies will no longer be allowed. However graduates having an offer of a skilled job from a sponsoring employer under Tier two of the Points Based system will be allowed to do such work. In addition innovative student entrepreneurs, creating wealth will be allowed to stay on in the UK to pursue their work. The detailed approach of this particular course of action is yet to be confirmed.

Postgraduate students will continue to be allowed to bring in their dependents with them who in turn will be allowed to work in the UK as earlier. These changes are already in progress and will be fully in place by April 2012. Students already within the old system will continue under such till the entire process is consolidated.

"The British Council supports an effective immigration policy that avoids any abuse of the student visa system. The new pledge that all institutions offering courses to International students must have accreditation and become highly trusted sponsors will give greater protection to bona fide students from Sri Lanka and will furthermore assure those students and their parents of the quality of UK education" further stated Tony Reilly.

There is no doubt that these changes are in favour of the student pursuing a quality international education experience. The UK has been and will continue to be the popular and preferred education destination for many Sri Lankans.