Bath Spa University has launched a joint venture with Shorelight Education to promote Bath as the city of choice for international students which will enable an increased number of international students to study at the University. Thousands of students from abroad – mainly China and the US will be sampling the delights of the idyllic English countryside around due to a new deal Bath Spa University has signed with student recruitment experts in the US. In this article we will explore why international students are choosing the UK as the number one destination for their education.
UK Student Visas for Americans & Chinese Students
Bath Spa University currently has 196 overseas or non-European students (making it one of the smallest recruiters of international students in the UK). This new deal comes in light of Business Secretary Vince Cable’s plans to increase the number of overseas students by 20% over the next 5 years as part of the Government’s new International Education Strategy. International students who will enrol under this scheme will be given an intensive first year programme which will include language tuition and lessons in the UK’s history and culture. Subject to them passing the first year, they will then join established degree courses at the university in the second year.
UK – Popular destination for International Students
The UK has become a popular destination for international students who are flocking here due to the English language as well as the reputation and high standards of the universities. According to QS World University Rankings 2012, 4 of the best 10 universities are based here including the University of Cambridge known to be the second best university in the world.
International students coming to the UK will appreciate the highly rated education UK universities have to offer and will be able to experience this in an exciting environment which can benefit their career and personal development. Figures show that 91% of students rated their teaching and learning experience as either good or excellent (NUS Student Experience Survey Feb 2011). This shows the dedication of UK institutions to provide a valuable education for all.
Studying & Working in the UK: Students Experience the UK’s Rich Cultural Heritage
Studying in Britain also offers more than just an education – it gives students a chance to experience its rich cultural heritage and diverse cosmopolitan society thereby making it a memorable experience. Figures show that 428,225 international students enrolled at British universities in 2010-2011 (HESA). International students may also be able to work alongside their studies depending on their immigration status. This would help them to improve their language skills, meet new people and enhance their CV leading to greater prospects for their future.
UK Student Visas: Options Available for International Students
- Tier 4 Visitor Visa: If you are a short-term student and wish to come to the UK to study you will need a Student Visit Visa. In order to obtain a Tier 4 Student Visit Visa you must be able to show that you are registered on a course, that you plan on visiting the UK for 6 months and will leave thereafter and that you have enough money to support your stay. If you wish to stay in the UK longer to study a longer course or if you wish to work and study you will have to apply for a Student Visa
- Tier 4 Prospective Student Visa:Â If you have not yet decided where you want to study, you can apply to enter the UK as a ‘Prospective Student’. This allows you to come to the UK for a maximum of six months before your programme starts. During that time you can make your final arrangements to study and start studying but you cannot do any part time work. You can then apply inside the UK to switch into the ‘Tier 4 General Student’ category.
- Tier 4 General Visa: The Tier 4 (General) student visa is part of the Points Based System (PBS) currently used by the UK immigration authorities. If you are studying a course that is longer than 6 months in duration and are not a national of a European Economic Area (EEA) Country or a Swiss national, you will need to gain entry clearance to study in the UK and you must obtain the Tier 4 General student visa before you travel.
Successful UK Student Visa Applications
Our team of experienced and professionally qualified immigration solicitors and barristers will be able to guide you through the process of making a student visa application step by step and limit the possibility of failure by complying with the strict letter of law.
Contact us so that we can review your case and provide you with an assessment.