Dreaming of studying abroad was one  of my favourite past-times during my undergrad years which left me largely unfulfilled.

Having now completed a UK Masters degree and currently working for a reputable UK university, I hope to stimulate discussions on a wide range of issues including (but not limited solely to) student visas and immigration and in the process, shatter perceptions and stereotypes about UK universities.

This thread is open to all who have an interest in the UK Higher Education and perhaps nurture a study ambition.
I hope we can share experiences, debate ideas and offer candid opinions that will hopefully be useful to someone in making what I consider to be one of the important decisions of a life-time.

As though UK immigration laws weren't complicated enough as it is,  the introduction of the new Point Based System (PBS) is causing quite a stir- especially as the Home Office themselves do not seem to have quite gotten their heads around it.

So what does it portend for prospective students? The truth is that no one can accurately predict its impact on international student recruitment until it kicks off but there is a great deal of scepticism about it among universities.

Some useful points to note however:

*Better to err on the side of caution and not apply for a student visa than to put in a dubious or fraudulent application. The minimum penalty is a 10 year ban before another application can be made- and we all know what happens after that,

*This puts an end to refusals premised on suspicion from offers made from a "bona fide" UK institution as universities will be required to obtain a sponsors license.

*By virtue of being sponsors, institutions also become watch-dogs and are required to submit the names of students who fail to enrol or miss more than ten(10) classes- how plausible that is

*Students may be required to pay full tution fees for the first year of study prior to enrolment.

*Entry Clearance Officers (ECO) will base a large percentage of their visa decisions on the sponsor's (the institutions) documentation- ENSURE your personal details are accurate as that is the way it will appear on your sponsor's documentations.

Hope this helps.
All input, comments and corrections are welcome.

Studying Abroad: The Basis

Hello All,

Are you planning to study abroad or leave your home country in a pursuit of your dreams education in another country? If you can answer yes to the questions, then you must have contemplated what the future holds for you.

Therefore, you will need some pre-requisite information that may stand as guidelines for your educational sojourn in foreign land. Here comes a hint on some countries, which may be your choice destination for your dream education.

Please click here for your information

http://www.infostrides.net

Good luck as you explore our website for the information required to help you succeed in the quest to excellence in your dream education abroad.

Regards,

@Poster: Can you help with this dilema? I'm finding it difficult to choose whether to study for an MBA in UK or in Canada. I've heard many people say that its better off in Canada cos of permits and job options. Can you help? What will u advice.

Thanks.

@ Pompey. Please I am a practising oil field engineer of 2 1/2 years xperience.I ave secured a scholarship to study in Uk come October 2009.Please what are my chances in this newly introduced points system u mentioned. I will like to pick up a relevant job in my field after completing my MSc programme.

HELLO ,

WILL BE GOING TO UK SOON FO MY SCHOOL , PLEASE WHAT KIND OF JOB CAN I O THERE TO CONTINUE PAYING MY FEE ??

REPLY ASAP
THANKS

Worth Checking out?
Being organised as an avenue for international students to network, meet representatives from schools and get the latest information on the news Point Based System (PBS).

I would personally like to see how "international" it turns out to be considering that international students need to obtain visas??,

See you there or stay tuned for a report.

For all forum junkies,

Regarding the Student Fair, I will attempt to be fair and balanced. FYI, the Fair is actually targeted at international students in UK schools enrolled on access/pathway/foundation programs for direct university entry and not students currently residing overseas. From my experience at the stands, it turned out to be anything but international as a result of the overwhelming number of EU students present at the event.

Did the advertisers fail to target their advertising effectively or could some of these EU students really be ignorant of their fee category, a significant number of whom seemed not to know if they were EU or International!!

On a promising note, the Home Office was at the event in their infamous splendour and were kind enough to supply "most recent" PBS materials. Will review it and put up the most salient points shortly.

I've had d dilenma of choosing a uk university for quite a while.I want to study a management course and have stathclyde and aston as options.I don't have work experience and would want to know if going to any of dis school would be a good decision cos people say its a waste of money goin for masters without experience.I need your general advise.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT – POST STUDY WORK VISA

The IGS and the similar Fresh Talent are replaced on 30 June 2008 by a new 2-year scheme, Tier 1 (Post Study Work), as part of the UK's roll out of a Point Based System. The UK Border Agency describes Tier 1 (Post Study Work) as "a bridge to highly skilled or skilled work. People with Post Study Work leave will be expected to switch into another part of the points system as soon as they are able to do so".
Those who already have IGS permission when Post Study Work launches will be able to switch into the new scheme if they wish, gaining an additional 12 months' leave.
In most aspects, Tier 1 (Post Study Work) will be very similar to the schemes it replaces. However, the published points allocations and draft rules for the scheme have revealed some key differences:
• Applicants must have obtained their qualification with the immigration status of student or dependant. Those who obtained their qualification with another status, for example Working Holiday Maker or Work Permit holder, or who completed their studies outside the UK, will not be eligible.
• The "cash reserve" required from IGS and FTWiSS applications to cover initial basic living costs has always been unspecified and flexible, and hence it allowed for applicants with very different costs of living to meet the eligibility criteria. Under Tier 1 (Post Study), an amount for the cash reserve has been specified. Those switching in the UK from student to Tier 1 (Post Study Work) will need to show a cash reserve of at least £800; those applying for entry clearance in their home country will need to show at least £2800.
• The application fee to extend leave in the UK under Tier 1 (Post Study Work) is expected to increase to £400 (from £395 for IGS). Entry clearance applications for the scheme at a British Embassy or High Commission are expected to increase to £205 (£200 for IGS).
What documents you must send?
You must send two recent passport photographs and your passport, along with proof of the following:
• original certificate of award;
• original letter from United Kingdom institution;
• Maintenance (funds).


POST STUDY WORK VISA

POST STUDY WORK

This would the sub- category of TIER 1 where the students who have done either a PG diploma or PG certificate or Bachelors degree or Masters degree or PHD from a recognized bodies or listed bodies in the UK, would be able to switch to a two – year post study visa.
Those who are currently on IGS having obtained their leave to remain for one year would be allowed to obtain further leave to remain for another year in line with the new Post Study work visa. Their applications would be dealt under the Transitional measures that would be put in place once the complete TIER 1 would be introduced.
The time scale for introducing Post study work visa is in July 2008.
A similar framework of points would be introduced as it is available for TIER 1 (General) category. The students would be required to claim 75 points under the attributes, 10 points under English language and 10 points for their maintenance.

The distribution of points would be as under:

Attributes

Having successfully completed one of the following Qualification:
A UK recognized degree at Bachelors level; or
A UK recognized degree at post graduate level; or
A UK post graduate certificate or diploma; or
An HND from a Scottish Institution
(20 Points)

Having completed one of the above mentioned courses / degree at a UK institution that is either a recognized or listed body or Included on Tier 4 Sponsor Register.

(20 points)

Having obtained the above mentioned qualification whilst in the UK with a valid student leave or as a dependent of someone with valid leave in an immigration category permitting the bringing in of dependents
(20 points)

Having made the application within 12 months of obtaining the eligible qualification
(15 points)

English language

All applicants who successfully claims 75 points as indicated above, would be deemed to have sufficient level of English thus would be given points under this section.

Maintenance

If a person would like to switch to post study work category while remaining in the UK, he would be expected to have at least £800 for his maintenance and £533 for each dependent in the last three months` bank statements at all time.
If a person is seeking entry clearance the amount required for maintenance would be £2800 for the main applicant and 2/3 of this amount for first dependent and further 1/3 of the amount for other defendants
(10 points)

Successful applicants would be free to seek employment or engage in self employment activities without having a sponsor. But unlike the other highly skilled sub-categories, it is there only to provide a bridge to highly skilled or skilled work. People with post study work leave will be expected to switch into another part of the points system as soon they are able to do so.

It would not be possible to extend the visa for more than a total of 2 years. However, Post study workers can still return to their student visas, if they wish to continue their studies in the UK.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE PLEASE CONTACT US ON +4475 3429 7817 or bsvsteam@googlemail.com

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS – ARE YOU HAVING PROBLEM EXTENDING YOUR UK STUDENT VISA

A Student visa can be extended in the United Kingdom if you demonstrate all of the following-
1. You are enrolled in a full-time course of study that you regularly attend, and you regularly attended any past courses you were enrolled in.
2. You demonstrate satisfactory progress in your course of study, including sitting and passing relevant examinations.
3. You would not, if an extension is granted, have spent more than two years enrolled in short courses below degree-level. (I.e. courses of less than one year in length, or longer courses broken-off before completion.)
4. You are moving between courses (you have completed your course and will be starting a new one). You should hold an Unconditional offer letter (which you have accepted) for a full-time course starting within 4 months of your previous course end date.
5. You were admitted to the UK in possession of a valid student visa entry clearance. (Unless you are a non-visa national accepted for a course at the degree-level or above.)

At British student visa specialist:

• We would assist you in obtaining all the required documents from any of the Institutions that we work with without you having to pay the school fees (You can negotiate or set up a payment plan with the school as soon as you have renew or extend your student visa).

If you would like to know more about this service please call us on +44 75 3429 7817 or email us bsvsteam@googlemail.com

The University of Portsmouth is visiting Nigeria in April, 2009

For anyone interested, myself (Assistant International Officer, Africa) and an academic from the university will be visiting a number of cities in Nigeria next month. This is an opportunity not only to receive spot offers but also meet representatives from the university who have close cultural and geographic backgrounds thereby understanding the challenges and constraints of Nigerian students.

Specific date and travel itinerary will be confirmed and posted shortly. Meanwhile feel free to check the links below to learn  more about the University of Portsmouth and I look forward to seeing you next month.

Nigerians studying at UoP or graduated from UoP- and loving every moment:
Facebook group- http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=56160329721
What they have to say- http://www.port.ac.uk/departments/studentsupport/international/universityofportsmouthinyourregion/nigeria/studentprofiles/


Know about UoP:
Faculties- http://www.port.ac.uk/aboutus/departments/
Facts and Figures- http://www.port.ac.uk/aboutus/factsfigures/
Research Activities- http://www.port.ac.uk/research/researchactivities/
Teaching Quality- http://www.port.ac.uk/aboutus/tqi/
Why Portsmouth- http://www.port.ac.uk/departments/studentsupport/international/howtoapply/whyportsmouth/


Courses available at UoP:
UG- http://www.port.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/atozcourselist/
PG- http://www.port.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/courses/atozcourselist/


Sights of Ports:
http://www.mediastore.portsmouth.gov.uk/
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=17168&id=8635413325- Meet and make friends with current UoP students


Snapshots of last International Students Week:
http://newsweaver.co.uk/uop/index000347286.cfm?x=bfk5TqL,bcqLstTT


Video of the last international students week (Footage on CCi TV, Tv station run by students of Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZGLtCRXMPw&feature=channel_page



The Portsmouth 'Island' Newsletter:
Previous editions of the Island- http://www.port.ac.uk/departments/studentsupport/international/theisland/


The UoP Mix and Match Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=56160329721#/group.php?gid=6752512307


New members of the  International staff at Ports: (The dazed looking black guy will be myself)
http://newsweaver.co.uk/uop/index000331704.cfm?x=bf3pBGG,bcqLstTT

@uopompey
i would like to study project management at the University of pompey.i would like to make some enquiries from you.Can i get your email addy.Thanks

@uopompey
I read in one of the links you provided that you attended Obafemi Awolowo University!!I am a final Year student of OAU myself

@loci
Very nice! I was fortunate to study and graduate from O.A.U and I wish you all the best in your finals.

Tosin.

To confirm attendance or make enquiries about this event, please contact our in-country representative, Glory Education Services. Their contact details are:

Glory Educational Services
Glory Educational Services
2nd Flr Wing 'C', Providence Court
Mokola, Ibadan, Nigeria

Tel: +234 2 8100237
Email: enquiries@gloryeduserve.com


Glory Educational Services
3rd Floor, Centage Plaza
14 Allen Avenue
Ikeja , Lagos, Nigeria

Tel: +234 1 7733 800
Email: enquiries@gloryeduserve.com