Call to include Scots universities in student visa pilot scheme
The UK Government is facing calls for Scottish universities to be included in a student visa pilot.
The UK Government is facing calls for Scottish universities to be included in a student visa pilot.
The Government recently announced a programme aimed at making it easier for overseas students to get a UK visa which will be trialled at four English universities.
For international students looking to study in the UK on a masters course of 13 months or less, the pilot scheme will simplify the visa application process and grant the students an extended period of six months when their course ends to seek work,
Minister for International Development Alasdair Allan and Universities Scotland director Alastair Sim want the Home Office to consider expanding the project to Scotland.
Mr Sim said: "We encourage further engagement with the Home Office to urge it to consider expanding its Tier 4 visa pilot programme to include Scottish universities, a scheme that although very welcome, is currently too narrowly focused.
"The escalation of the pilot to include the Scottish higher education sector would be of great benefit to our universities, students and staff, and to Scottish businesses and the economy."
Dr Allan will chair the first meeting of the Scottish Government group examining the issue on Thursday.
He said: "The pilot still falls short of the post-study work route; however I urge the UK Immigration Minister to reconsider its scope as a starting point.
"The outcome of the EU referendum makes it even more important that the UK Government honours the recommendation in the Smith report to explore a potential post-study work route to ensure Scotland continues to attract and retain talent from around the world. We want gifted students to remain and contribute to Scottish society and the wider economy.
"I'm looking forward to meeting and collectively making positive strides forward with our key stakeholders. The UK Government must take note of the level of support for the return of a post-study work visa route in Scotland and get back round the table to find a suitable way forward."
Organisations represented at the meeting include the Institute of Directors, Scottish Universities International Group, NUS Scotland, Universities Scotland, UK Council for International Student Affairs, Scottish Chambers of Commerce and the Scottish Council for Development and Industry.