More South Indians choosing UK for study

Figures show an increased number of South Indians are choosing the UK for their international studies destination, reports The Times of India.

According to the British Council, the number of Indians who applied for a UK student visa in 2007 rose by 63 per cent, and in September, the number of visas issued reached 11,126 for those from the southern states of India.

According to the figures, around 44 per cent of applications for UK student visas come from the south of India.

"The number of student visas issued from South India in September 2007 was 6,846. The number has shot up by almost 5,000 this year. Almost 31,000 Indians are studying in the UK," L Dhanasekaran, head of Education UK (South India), said.

MBA, IT, engineering, biotechnology, microbiology, pharmacy, physiotherapy, social science, law and journalism have proven the most popular courses.

Experts predict 2009 would see further 20 per cent increase in the number of Indian students moving to Britain on a student visa. Students are particularly attracted to the new UK law allowing international students to apply for a two-year work permit after the completion of their studies. This means that those students who apply for a one-year post-graduate programme can incur lesser fees and associated costs of living, and still have the opportunity to live and work in the UK after graduation.

The UK Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in UK visa and immigration services.

Article by Jessica Bird, UK Visa Bureau.