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Recent statistics from the Home Office show a record number of study visas in the UK post-Brexit. The total number of students applying to pursue higher education in the country through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) has almost doubled since 2019.
The latest figures from Higher Education Statistics Agency show that the UK hosted 605,130 international students in the 2020/21 academic year.
Quoting The Times, a record number of 43,200 UK student visas were approved for Nigerians in 2022. This is a staggering 415 per cent rise in study visas in the UK post-Brexit.
The African country saw the highest increase followed by Pakistan with a 255.9% rise and India with a 164.1% increase in approved UK student visas post-Brexit. Reports suggest that only five per cent of approved study visas in the UK post-Brexit went to students from EU countries.
Reintroduction of a Post-Study Visa Route Rises Demand for More Study Visas in the UK Post-Brexit
Immigration experts believe the driving factor for the increase in study visas in the UK post-Brexit is the reintroduction of the post-study visa route. In fact, the total number of approved UK student visas hit its 600,000 targets a decade earlier than hoped.
The UK is now allowing international graduates to stay for at least two years after completing their degree. As per the latest norms, the international students who have completed an undergraduate or master’s degree can work for about two years, whereas in the case of PhD students, the work duration has been extended to three years.
Contact our overseas education counselors to explore study abroad opportunities in the UK.
What are Study Options in the UK for Middle East Aspirants?
There are plenty of study options in the UK for aspirants from the Middle East. The country is home to prestigious universities with a history of providing quality education for the past 800 years. The UK boasts 90 universities in the recently released QS World University Rankings 2022, securing 4 positions among the list of top 10 varsities.
The UK focuses more on practical and utility-based knowledge over textbook learning which enables students to acquire critical thinking and analytical skills. The education standards of all universities and colleges in the country are regularly assessed by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), an independent body that keeps a check on the quality assurance and quality enhancement of education.
High Potential Individual Visa Route for Student Graduates from May 30
The UK government is set to open a “highly selective” visa scheme for graduates of the world’s top-ranked universities on May 30.
The Home Office will draw a list of top-ranked universities based on renowned rankings like Times Higher Education World University rankings, Quacquarelli Symonds World University rankings, and The Academic Ranking of the World Universities.
The High Potential Individual Visa will last for two years for bachelor’s and master’s grads, and three years for PhD holders. It is expected to enhance the country’s skill base.
New Points-Based UK Immigration System
Post-Brexit, the UK switched to a points-based immigration system to attract migrant workers to move and settle in the country. Such skilled workers will have to qualify for 70 points under the new system.
Having a job offer from an approved employer in the UK for a skilled job and being able to speak English will give 50 points.
They can also gain extra points for having better qualifications (10 points for a relevant PhD, or 20 points for a PhD in science, technology, engineering, or maths) or an offer of a job in which the UK has a shortage (20 points).
Certain jobs in health or education still merit 20 points even if the salary is less than £25,600. The applicant must be paid at least £20,480, and in line with set amounts for particular jobs in the UK’s four nations.
“The implementation of a points-based immigration system has opened up half of all jobs in the UK to foreign workers, by lowering salary and skill thresholds for migrants,” an article from the Times read.
Take this free assessment online to determine your eligibility for Canadian immigration.
If you wish to explore your chances of studying or working abroad, CanApprove is the right place to visit. You can book a free appointment to determine your unique chances of qualifying based on your work experience or academic profile.
