London:
Britain, the second most popular destination for Indian students is now becoming a destination impossible. The recent spending cuts in the education budget announced by the government, and tighter visa rules proposed for foreign students, are going to make it much more difficult for students wanting to study in the UK.
Last year, nearly 20,000 Indian students were studying in educational institutions in the UK. But, as Britain, facing a record deficit tightens its belt, the education sector faces a 25% cut in overall budget.
University Unions say this will have a profound impact on the educational experience for students paying hefty fees to study in British colleges and universities.
While a cut in spending on education will affect all students the government is keen on also reducing the number of foreign students as part of their crackdown on immigration.
Nearly 30% migrants enter the UK on student visas. In 2008-09, 240,000 such visas were granted, with over 50,000 to Indians. The government however, wants to keep out. It says that most of the immigrants are bogus students, or are those who come to the UK on the pretext of studies but actually start working on student visas.
Sarah Mulley, professor, IPPR says "The temporary cap doesn't affect them but permanent cap may affect their ability to stay on in UK after study and the government has also indicated they will review the student visas so it may be harder for Indians to come here to study."
All these changes are making universities very nervous. Most of the universities rely heavily on foreign students for funding. While the education of British students is subsidised by the state, foreign students pay the entire amount their education costs.
"On average 15% of the income of universities depend on foreign students. if you take top ten earners 30% of their income is from foreign students.If it wasn't for international students some of our universities would first go bankrupt," said Dominic Scott, UKCISA
Though the effects may perhaps not be felt so strongly for students starting this year the repercussions would be more for those who are planning courses in the coming years.
Last year, nearly 20,000 Indian students were studying in educational institutions in the UK. But, as Britain, facing a record deficit tightens its belt, the education sector faces a 25% cut in overall budget.
University Unions say this will have a profound impact on the educational experience for students paying hefty fees to study in British colleges and universities.
While a cut in spending on education will affect all students the government is keen on also reducing the number of foreign students as part of their crackdown on immigration.
Nearly 30% migrants enter the UK on student visas. In 2008-09, 240,000 such visas were granted, with over 50,000 to Indians. The government however, wants to keep out. It says that most of the immigrants are bogus students, or are those who come to the UK on the pretext of studies but actually start working on student visas.
Sarah Mulley, professor, IPPR says "The temporary cap doesn't affect them but permanent cap may affect their ability to stay on in UK after study and the government has also indicated they will review the student visas so it may be harder for Indians to come here to study."
All these changes are making universities very nervous. Most of the universities rely heavily on foreign students for funding. While the education of British students is subsidised by the state, foreign students pay the entire amount their education costs.
"On average 15% of the income of universities depend on foreign students. if you take top ten earners 30% of their income is from foreign students.If it wasn't for international students some of our universities would first go bankrupt," said Dominic Scott, UKCISA
Though the effects may perhaps not be felt so strongly for students starting this year the repercussions would be more for those who are planning courses in the coming years.
Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world
