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The trend of Indian students pursuing education in the UK has faced challenges due to restrictive immigration regulations, resulting in a 25% decline in applications. This drop threatens the Indo-UK educational and trade relationship. NISAU aims to support the UK Higher Education sector by advocating for policies that allow Indian students to study and gain work experience in the UK, ensuring their return to India benefits society. We are committed to strengthening the UK-India relationship and preserving our historic educational ties.
The removal of the Post-study Work (PSW) visa has deeply discouraged Indian students from applying to UK universities due to the lack of opportunities for practical experience after completing their degrees. A study by the London School of Economics revealed that 68% of Indian students strongly feel that immigration reforms have made the UK a less attractive destination for education.
Students are now compelled to balance internships or job searches alongside their studies to secure sponsorship for work, a process described as ‘pushing beyond limits’. The rising cost of living and education in the UK, combined with the removal of the PSW visa, has placed these students at a significant disadvantage, both academically and professionally.
Indian students struggle to acquire relevant work experience to justify the high cost of UK degrees.
Students are distracted from their studies by the pressure to secure jobs before their visas expire.
Rising living and tuition costs, without guaranteed work opportunities, are creating an unsustainable environment.
Indian students face inequality compared to European and British peers in securing work post-graduation.
Indian students also miss campus recruitment opportunities back home, limiting their connections in India's job market.
Introduce a 2-year employment and internship visa for Indian students after graduation, conditional on returning to India. Students will not be allowed to switch to other visa categories.
The Indian government should incentivize returning professionals, particularly in public sector roles, to maximize their impact on society.
The scheme should focus on subjects aligned with the shortage lists of both countries, ensuring that student and national needs are met.
UK universities will benefit from international fees, skilled labor, and increased competitiveness with nations like the USA, Australia, and Canada.
A diverse workforce encourages entrepreneurship, research, and innovation in UK classrooms, raising the profiles of UK universities globally.
International graduates will help fill critical skill gaps in the UK workforce, contributing to the country's economic growth.
A multinational workforce will elevate the reputation of UK universities in their home countries, enhancing international partnerships and collaborations.
Returning students will apply their international experiences to support India's vision of becoming an international labor resource hub.
UK-educated students will utilize their scientific, technical, and entrepreneurial skills to develop India's skilled workforce for both local and global needs.
Indian businesses and professionals will have stronger ties with the UK, promoting mutual investment and collaboration.
As Commonwealth citizens, Indian students and alumni temporarily based in the UK for their studies are eligible to vote in British parliamentary elections. However, many are unaware of this right.
The #MyVoteMatters campaign raises awareness about voting rights and the voter registration process. Using newsletters, social media, and direct information, we encourage Commonwealth students to exercise their right to vote in UK elections.
This is a long-term NISAU campaign, with a focus during major elections. We have successfully campaigned in the 2015 General Election and the 2016 London Mayoral Elections. Our objective is to generate awareness, not influence candidate choice, while focusing on issues that concern the Indian student and alumni community in the UK.