Nick Jagger, Entry Clearance Officer with the British Deputy High Commission in Mumbai, answered questions about UK universities and student visas during a June 20 expert chat.
He discussed employment in the UK after graduation, the student visa process and resources for prospective students.
For those of you who missed the chat, here's the transcript:
Part I: 'Apply to accredited institutions only.'
appy asked,
It it possible to score high on tests, have funds, earn acceptance to top school, but still get rejected visas? I've herad this happen to numerous students.Nick Jagger answers, If you meet all of the student visa rules and, most importantly, show us in your application that you meet all requirements, you will get your visa.
mrinal asked, hi nick i was in uk for 4 years with my parents for my dads Phd. so i did my gsce's in uk and got a very good result. i also have a excellence certificate. i m doing my 12th here in india. can pls pls tell me if i have any chances of getting scholarship in any uk university next year
Nick Jagger answers, Have a look at www.britishcouncil.org.in/scholarships.
mellwyn jack asked, can i do my ielts in uk while doing it
Nick Jagger answers, You need to give evidence of your English ability before you get a visa to study in the UK. Some courses offer a pre-study English course and we do take proper account of those.
automore asked, i want to study more. so i would like to study in UK.but it should be part time course so that i can do the job there to run my house. is it possible?
Nick Jagger answers, No, you have to take a full-time course. Evening courses are not acceptable.
nandi asked, Can my mother come and stay with me for first two years of study? I hate to be away from home
Nick Jagger answers, I'm afraid not. Your mother can come and help you settle in at first on a visit visa and can visit you at other times. Institutions have an international office and student counsellors that help international students settle.
Paul asked, What is the D'souza trust? Is it a goan scholarships? I am from Kerala but still catholic. Do this negate me?
Nick Jagger answers, It is for people of Goan descent. I'm afraid I know no more about this. Please look at http://www.BritishCouncil.org.in/scholarships for more.
Anshuman asked, sir what are chances of getting a job in UK after doing MBA there and can we do part time job out side the campus during our course of study?
Nick Jagger answers, The job market is very competitive. You can work in the UK for one year following graduation from a qualifying institute. You can work up to 20 hours a week during a term and 40 hours a week outside term time.
dev asked, I am currently in UK on a work-permit and have a total experience of 4 yrs in IT. Where and what MBA should i be looking at, based on my experience. What are my options and is correspondence a good idea for future job prospects?
Nick Jagger answers, This is your choice but look at www.educationuk.in.org or www.ucas.ac.uk.
jatin asked, i am an hotelier and looking for some chef's programme..i ahd enrolled my self for one in cananda but my visa was rejected twice.wiil i be able to apply for uk..will my rejection by canandian embassy make any deiference?
Nick Jagger answers, We will assess your application on the merits of your background and future intentions. We do not rely on refusals from other destinations.
luli asked, do you have to indicate caste on visa application?
Nick Jagger answers, No, you will never be asked your caste.
ashay asked, Dear Sir I want to go yo UK for highr studies Can work there part time while studying i will be completing my grad studies this yaer
Nick Jagger answers, Yes, you can work part-time during terms and full-time outside terms.
ck asked, can u pla tell me..how much loan do i need to apply for??wht all do i need to show(finances) for getting the visa??
Nick Jagger answers, You must also be able to pay for your course and support yourself and any dependants. You must live in the UK without getting a job or needing any help from public funds. There is no set amount as each individual has different circumstances.
arjuna asked, is it possible for me to get my visa through a 'student agent'? he is guaranteeing me 100 per cent acceptance, but charging a huge sum of cash. is this advisable?
Nick Jagger answers, You should choose your student agent based on careful consideration of the quality of his or her service. There are some agents that have been deemed as our 'Trusted Partners'. These agents have attended briefings and meetings with our staff to establish their credentials and strengthen their understanding of our Immigration rules, procedures and requirements.
However, you should be aware that you do not have to use a student agent. Also, just because a student agent is not yet a 'Trusted Partner' does not necessarily mean he or she is not representing a professional organisation. The list of 'Trusted Partners' can be found at www.educationuk-in.org.
combust asked, are there football squads at universites? I want to play football
Nick Jagger answers, Most universities have football teams. You should have no problem.
vaish asked, Good afternoon sir. I have been accepted for MSc Finance in the University of St Andrews. I would like to know what documents I need for the visa process and also whether there is a personal interview. Also do we have to send in the original documents by post for the visa?
Nick Jagger answers, Hello, Vaish. Most decisions are based solely on the application form and accompanying papers. Therefore, you need to make your application clear to us. Everyone's circumstances are different. This is why we do not ask for a set list of documents. Specific guidance can be found at http://www.ukinindia.com .
You must be able to show that you have been accepted into a course of study at an educational establishment that is on the UK's Department for Education and Skills -- Register of Education and Training Providers. The register can be found on the DfES website at: www.dfes.gov.uk/providersregister
You must be able to show that you are going to follow one of the following:
· a recognised full-time degree course
· a course run during the week involving at least 15 hours of organised daytime study each week
· a full-time course at an independent fee-paying school
You must also:
· be able to pay for your course and support yourself and any dependants, and live in the UK without going into business or getting a job, or needing any help from public funds
· be able and intend to follow your chosen course
· intend to leave the UK when you complete your studies, if your course of study is below degree level.
If you graduated from a UK university or other educational institution within the last 12 months with a bachelor's degree, master's degree, PhD or (with effect from 1 May 2007) a postgraduate certificate or diploma, you can apply to stay in the UK to seek employment for 12 months after your degree course finishes, without getting a work permit.
If you successfully complete an HND, degree course, Master's, PhD or (with effect from 1 May 2007) a postgraduate certificate or diploma, awarded by a Scottish institution, you may be able to apply to live and work in Scotland for up to two years after achieving your qualification under the 'Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland' scheme. There are further requirements for postgraduate doctors and dentists.
Mrsingh asked, Nick Jagger, you must answer me please urgently. I have daughter studying in Scotland. She wants to know of fresh talent scheme. wat is it and how can she avail of these precious chances to make good on education>?
Nick Jagger answers, Dear Mr Singh, have a look at http://www.workingintheuk.gov.uk .
Dropdead asked, Hi Nick...I had gone to US for my MBA but had to drop out in a mnth due to certain personal reasons. Does this affect my chances of getting a student visa for the UK?
Nick Jagger answers, You should explain in your application why you dropped out.
bolbolbol asked, Can You please tell me can I work full time after I finish my masters degree and still left with the visa before taking IGS. It will give more time to earn money and show for HSMP. To let you know I have completed my masters and still left with 10months visa(temporary residence after 1 extenstion). I am thinking to do full time job of 10months before taking 12 months igs as I need to get 20k job to be in the HSMP in new point system.I there any rule that I can not do that?
Nick Jagger answers, I am slightly confused about your personal circumstances. However, I can say that you can work for the time that remains on your student visa providing you have fully completed the course for which you had entry clearance to be in the UK.
calibrate asked, Cheers nick! I hope you ignore stupid comments, it's india's fascination with west. I ask this; My uncle has studied at Oxford. Will I received legacy point for this connection?
Nick Jagger answers, No, you will not receive legacy points for an uncle.
daddaji asked, What is the cause for getting UK resident to sponsor indian's studies. I have a family friend in liverpool who is willing to pay half of my tuition, provided i pay her back. How do I go about this process?
Nick Jagger answers, That is fine but you must satisfy our concerns that the money is actually available to pay for your studies. The question you must answer is -- why would this family friend offer to pay some of your study fees?
howmuch asked, Let me ask this: Is there any point to getting student agent who guarantees visa?
Nick Jagger answers, There are no guarantees. You should choose your student agent yourself based on careful consideration of the quality of their service.
uuuu asked, my study cost is 25,500 GBP, what is the amount I need to project(including student loan) to get visa? Minimum how old it should be(in my account)
Nick Jagger answers, It depends on a number of issues: where you will study, where you will live and what other support you have. You need to show that you have all the funds you need to live and study in the UK for the first year and evidence that funds will be available for the remaining years.
zeshu asked, sir,i've completed MS in Industrial Chemistry in the year 2003 with distinction.Having completed MS,i've been working as Engineer R&D in a coating industry in the middle east.After a getting an experience of about 3 years and half, i wish to for a doctorate degree from UK.So,Kindly, suggest
Nick Jagger answers, Have a look at http://www.educationuk-in.org . This is an online guide for Indian students interested in studying in the UK. It features a searchable database.
howmuch asked, Let me ask this: Is there any point to getting student agent who guarantees visa?
Nick Jagger answers, No one can guarantee that a visa will be issued. A good student agent may assist you but the decisions are made by the staff here at the High Commission.
running asked, nick any e-mail address or telephone to contact deputy high commission?
Nick Jagger answers, Visa Faciliation Services are our handling agents in India and they provide assistance to applicants. Here is their web site: http://www.vfs-uk.co.in/.
Part I: 'Apply to accredited institutions only.'
