The number of non-EU students visiting the UK for studies is to be cut by 25 per cent, a government minister has said.
The Europe correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that British Home Secretary Theresa May unveiled the plan in a statement to the parliament on Wednesday in London.
The statement said there would also be tougher English Language competence requirements, restrictions on dependants, curbs on post-study work and new vetting for colleges.
“Only the brightest and best should come to the UK. The package will stop bogus students studying meaningless courses at fake colleges. It will protect our world-class institutions; stop the abuse that became all too common under Labour and it will restore some sanity to our student visa system,’’ it added.
According to the statement, students studying in private institutions will be barred from working during term-time and only foreign students with job offers will be able to stay in the UK after graduation.
The statement said those already in the UK who had permission to stay because they applied to the colleges would also be affected by the new policy.
“Individuals will need to prove they are coming to study rather than work and show that they have financial means to support themselves,’’ the home secretary stated.
She said further that the measures would cut student visas by between 70,000 and 80,000 and the measures would help increase the number of students who leave Britain on completion of their courses, May added.