British Council responds to Home Secretary's statement on student visas
22 March 2011
The British Council welcomes the changes being made to the student visa system announced today by Theresa May.
Martin Davidson, Chief Executive of the British Council, said:
"The British Council welcomes the changes being made to the student visa system announced today by Theresa May.
"Genuine international students bring immense value to the UK. They enhance our institutions academically, financially and culturally and many become lifelong friends and advocates for the UK when they return home. It is in the interests of the UK to continue to welcome genuine students from around the world.
"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 by April 2012 will give greater protection to bona fide international students and will furthermore assure students of the quality of UK education.
"It is essential that the changes do not prevent students coming to the UK to learn English prior to going on to study for degree courses.
"We welcome the assurances that students qualifying with a recognised degree who have the offer of a graduate level job will be able to remain in the UK and that sponsors can vouch for academic progression when students are doing follow-up courses. We particularly welcome measures to ensure that innovative student entrepreneurs are able to stay in the UK to pursue their ideas.
"International students bring an extra dimension to the education experience of our own students and give them a perspective that will help them prosper in the global economy. These measures should ensure that we continue to attract the best talent from around the world and avoid a situation where these individuals turn to other competitor countries."
For more information please contact Alex Bratt on 0207 3894872 or alex.bratt@britishcouncil.org
