University of Westminster Chancellor Lord Swraj Paul has welcomed a government initiative that will allow international students studying in the UK – including those from India – to stay for a year after graduating. From May 1, any overseas student graduating with a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree in the UK will be able to extend their visa for a year, regardless of grade or subject of study.

The initiative will give the students valuable work experience, and will provide UK employers with highly skilled graduates – a point recognised by Indian-born businessman Lord Paul, who moved to England in 1966. He said: “This is an excellent initiative, and one that will benefit both India and the UK. International graduates bring a great deal to the British economy and cultural life, and they deserve the opportunity to test their skills in the country they are educated in.”

Announcing the scheme, Bill Rammell MP, Minister for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education, noted Britain’s position as one of the world’s most attractive destinations for overseas students. He said: “Higher Education Institutions have told us that a staying on scheme which is available to all graduates irrespective of subject of study will enhance the UK’s attraction as a study destination in what has become an intensely competitive international student market.

“The new scheme underlines the importance which the Government attaches to maintaining and enhancing the UK’s status as a leading exporter of higher education.”

Westminster saw a 14% rise in student enrolments from India last year, with 138 new students taking up places at the University.

ABOUT LORD SWRAJ PAUL

Lord Paul was educated at the Punjab University, and obtained a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in America. He was awarded an honorary doctorate in philosophy in management sciences by Maharishi Dayanand University in Rohtak earlier this month.