Foreign students from outside Europe wanting to come to the UK to study will be required to meet stricter entry criteria.  The new regulations will ensure that students studying below degree level have a limited ability to work in the UK and that their dependants cannot work in the UK.

The new measures for students which will affect Vincentian nationals wishing to come to the UK to study include:

* restricting the lowest-level courses (A levels and equivalent) to only the most trusted institutions;

* student studying below first degree level or on a foundation degree course will only be able to work 10 hours during term time;

* a ban on bringing in dependants for anyone studying a course for less than six months; and

* a ban on dependants of anyone studying a course lower than foundation or undergraduate degree level from working- they will face removal from the UK if found doing so.

In addition, the new measures will include:

* a ban on foreign students studying below degree level courses which includes a work placement – unless that course is being provided by a university, college or training provider which has the status of ‘highly trusted sponsor’;

* a requirement for students to demonstrate their English language ability by passing an approved secure test – this will apply to all students studying below (foundation) degree level, including those coming to study English language; and

* the introduction of tougher criteria for defining which course providers count as ‘highly trusted sponsors’ of foreign students. It is expected that all publicly funded universities and colleges will count as highly trusted.

The UK authorities will ensure that there is a rapid but rigorous system for ensuring that private training colleges can also gain that status as soon as possible.

These changes are part of a radical overhaul of the student system which began last year. Since March 2009, the British government has required all foreign students to be sponsored by a college licensed by the UK Border Agency, and to demonstrate that they can support themselves while in the UK before being granted a visa.

Also since March, any college or university wanting to bring in international students must be accredited and licensed.

The Home Secretary’s written ministerial statement about the student changes can be downloaded from – http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/news/wms-tier-4-student