Gifted students shouldn't shun the UK

April was a month of bad news for prospective students hoping to come to the UK from outside the EEA. Reports reached the press that many private higher education colleges had closed and that the April changes to the Immigration Rules raised concerns about the desirability of going to university in the UK. However, negative headlines in the press should not deter those with a genuine desire to study and build a successful career in the United Kingdom.

An article appeared in The Daily Telegraph revealing how changes to the Immigration Rules had forced many private colleges to close. Higher education institutions now have to comply with strict rules if they want students from outside the EEA to enrol. Those who have found themselves unable to comply or seen their business model broken by the changes have been forced to withdraw from the market. In 2010 117 private colleges closed and this number increased by almost 50% to 169 in 2012. These closures may have sealed off certain avenues for international students but the good news is that they can still apply to study at a range of world-class institutions. The Times ranks 32 UK universities in the top 200 universities worldwide. Four of the top five European universities are based in the UK. For those with the ability and the motivation there are opportunities to study in top-tier research environments and to be taught by globally recognised experts.

The April changes to the Immigration Rules brought an end to the Post-Study Work visa category. Many students wishing to extend their time in the UK after completing their courses had previously used this route. The closure made headlines in major Indian newspapers with observers debating the value of coming to the UK to study. The change has undoubtedly placed some limits on working in the country but opportunities are still available. The impact of the closure has been mitigated by changes to the Tier 2 category and the introduction of the Graduate Entrepreneur route.

It is not disputed that as a destination for study, the UK will be looked at in a different light, but it should still be ranked as a top destination for the talented and ambitious. Anyone wishing to make an application for entry clearance or leave to remain is strongly advised to seek professional advice.