UK colleges new policy

As of March next year, Jamaican students wishing to study at United Kingdom based universities will have to be sponsored by a U.K. Border Agency-licensed education institution.



The new measure also applies to other foreign students, who are further required to supply fingerprints.



The UK government said under the new immigration points system, colleges and universities that want to enroll non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationals must have a license issued by the UK Border Agency.



Licensed institutions can then sponsor non-EEA students to study in the UK.

The Agency said it would be clamping down on what it calls bogus students to ensure that only those who benefit Britain can continue to study there.

In addition, the agency is warning that as of autumn 2009, the system will be tightened further with the introduction of a sponsor management system.

This system involves technology that will make it easier for universities and colleges to inform the U.K. Border Agency if students fail to enroll or miss more than 10 sessions.



Border and Immigration Minister, Phil Woolas, said international students who go to Britain are expected to play by the rules and benefit the country.

International students have reportedly contributed 2.5 pounds sterling to the U.K. economy in tuition fees alone.



Additionally, he said the student tier of the points system means that Britain can continue to recruit good students from outside Europe.

The UK Boarder Agency said since 2005, almost 300 bogus colleges have been removed from the Department for Universities, and Skills Register of Education and Training Providers.