UK varsities worried over student visa delays

London, Oct 14: In what may be the fall out of the tighter Visa system introduced by Britain in Mar 2009, thousands of overseas students from countries like India and Pakistan have been unable start their courses in UK universities this Sep.

While the vice-chancellors of the universities have expressed concern over this, education managers are wary of a possible funding crisis that could arise from a situation like this.

According to the data collected by The Guardian, international students from contribute nearly 4 billion pounds every year in fees. This is a huge amount of capital which supports the UK universities' finances.

Speaking on this undesirable development, Professor Steve Smith, president of Universities UK, the umbrella body of British universities, said, "We are very concerned that significant numbers of students may not receive their visas in time to start their studies in the UK this year."

Mr Smith expressed concern over the fact that this will be sending out the wrong message that the UK does not welcome international students.

Speaking on the same lines, Head of admissions policy at the London School of Economics, Simeon Underwood pointed out the adverse impact this would have on the reputation of UK higher studies 'especially in the Indian sub-continent'.

"The knock-on effect this will have on university funding," he added.

OneIndia News