UK revokes university license—Indian students face dilemma

United Kingdom, 31st August: Hundreds of Indian students have been stranded following UK immigration’s decision to revoke the license of London Metropolitan University.

The decision means a full stop on the rights of the London Metropolitan University to admit foreign students.

London Univ. license revoked—Students left high and dry—The UK immigration authorities cited serious failings on the part of the London Metropolitan University as the reasons behind the cancellation of the latter’s license.

So, it will no longer be allowed to offer sponsorship to foreign students hailing from non-EU nations, admits an official spokesperson of the UKBA (UK Border Agency).

A jolt for Indians planning to study in London Metropolitan University--This has led to a big question mark on the future of several foreign students. The new academic year is slated to begin in September this year and many Indians were making plans for moving to the UK to join study courses at London Metropolitan University.

Although a task force has been established for assisting affected foreign students by recent cancellation of the university’s license, but the students are worried about their future.

Quick alternative plans must for current foreign students—No one could imagine that such a thing could happen to a university that enjoys being the 118th best UK University out of 120. There are nearly 2,000 foreign students currently studying in this university including several Indians.

Giving details, David Willetts, Universities Minister said genuine students affected for no fault of their must be provided immediate help in the form of searching alternative educational institutes for finishing their studies in the UK.

Task force for helping foreign students in the UK--The task force will begin work instantly for offering all help to affected foreign students, Willetts confirmed. For this, the NUS and the UKBA (UK Border Agency) will work with London Metropolitan University for helping international students affected by recent revocation of license, he maintained.

However, in case, Indian students are unable to get transferred to another university in the UK for finishing their study course, then will be provided a time period of 60 days for returning to India after abandoning their course here, the UK immigration rules maintain.

The London Metropolitan University happens to be the first university in the UK to have its license cancelled for allegedly misusing UK student visa process. It has hundreds of Indian students on its rolls currently.