UK relaxes norms for PhD scholars

UK relaxes norms for PhD scholars

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

14.07.2020

Hyderabad: Even as other countries place restrictions on the entry of foreign students, the United Kingdom is taking the opportunity to extend post-study work visa for international PhD students. The move has been welcomed by students who want to pursue their higher education abroad.

“As part of the new graduate route, international students who complete a PhD from summer 2021can stay in the UK for three years after study to live and work,” the UK government said in a statement recently.

“The UK wants to attract the brightest and the best students from around the world – which is why we are extending the period of leave to PhD students under the graduate route to three years, with undergraduate and masters students getting two years,” British deputy high commissioner to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Andrew Fleming said.

“Extending the length of the graduate route for PhD students sends a global message that the UK is an open and attractive destination for international students as the world recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic,” he added.

Students, even those hoping to pursue a masters, sounded positive about the decision. “I plan to pursue my MSc in physics in the UK,” said Kamini Rao, a resident of LB Nagar. She said that a PhD would be the next step for her and the current policy shift only made her decision to head to the UK firmer. “This will give me more time to stay and work in the UK,” she added.

Previously, PhD students were allowed four to six months like with other Tier 4 visas, a year’s extension was possible with the Doctorate Extension Scheme