Through the continuation of its post-study work visa program under the Graduate Route, the UK government has reinforced its commitment to luring international students, especially from India. Indian students, who have benefited the most from this visa category, are anticipated to benefit from this decision. India is an “absolute priority” for strengthening educational ties, according to Sir Steve Smith, the UK’s International Education Champion, who also highlighted the nation’s hospitable attitude toward student migration.
After completing their studies, international graduates are permitted to remain and work in the UK for two years under the Graduate Route visa, which was introduced in July 2021. With 67,529 Indian nationals benefiting from it, Indian students have demonstrated a strong interest in this program, accounting for nearly half of all Graduate Route extensions in the year ending June 2024. This visa has become a vital factor in attracting Indian students to UK universities.
Currently undergoing revision, the UK government’s International Education Strategy is to raise the number of international students studying in the UK to 600,000 annually and boost education exports to £35 billion annually by 2030. The government is concentrating on important growing markets, such as India, in order to accomplish these objectives. Opportunities for education exporters in the industry have been created by Professor Sir Steve Smith’s successful trips to India and other key nations.
Key Initiatives:
– Turing Scheme: A global program to study and work abroad, with £110 million invested for the 2022-23 academic year, providing funding for over 38,000 participants from UK education providers.
– Warm Welcome Scholarship Scheme: Offers scholarships to those relocated to the UK via Operation Pitting, with 68 scholarships awarded for the 2022-23 academic year.
– Study UK: Promotes UK education in key international student recruitment markets, including India, with a refreshed website featuring a comprehensive course and scholarship search.
Lord Karan Bilimoria, President of UKCISA, praised Indian students, saying, “India is seen as a superpower, and everyone recognizes that Indian students are phenomenal. Indian alumni are leading globally, including at the World Bank and beyond”. It is anticipated that the UK government’s dedication to upholding the Graduate Route visa and fostering academic relations with India will enhance the nation’s standing as a top international student destination.
