Problems for Pakistan students who want to study in the UK
February 02 2009 by Ajay Hasija
Pakistani education consultants and advisors have heavily criticised the British High Commission in Pakistan and the British Council for creating obstacles that prevent and discourage students from Pakistan from studying in the UK.
Members of the Pakistani National Education Consultants Association (PNECA) gathered with UK Border Agency (UKBA) officials and representatives from UK educational institutions, at the Pakistani Education Advisors’ conference in London.
The PNECA informed the UKBA and the representatives that, despite fulfilling the criteria to be granted a UK student visa, Pakistani students are finding the process of obtaining a student visa for the UK problematic.
Major problems are arising as a result of a lack of cooperation between the British Council in Pakistan and the educational advisors; with the council treating advisors as ‘pariahs,’ according to Falcon Education and Consultancy Services’ CEO, Syed Abidi.
He also accused the British Council of “high-headedness” and claims it is failing to promote the UK as a great place to study.
Abidi says 15,000 student visa applications were rejected by UK immigration in 2008, many of which were rejected on weak grounds. He claims that there was an 18% increase in student applications being made with the help of Pakistani educational advisors between 2006 and 2008, adding that they contribute an average of £241,500 each year promoting the UK as a study destination.
See the latest Immigration News
