Scotland eases work norms for students
THERE IS a chance that from mid-next year onwards, students headed to Scotland for higher studies will have the option of extending their visas after completing their course by not one, but two years.
"Scotland's population has come down in recent years and the Scottish Parliament has tabled a proposal to give international students more time to look for jobs," said Greg McCarra, Director of Commercial Courses, School of Computing, Napier University, Edinburgh, Scotland, who was in Chennai to interview prospective students.
If this proposal goes through, international students would be encouraged to find jobs in Scotland. Of course, once they found jobs, their employers would take care of work permits, said Prof. McCarra.
What is special about this proposal is that it seeks to make it easier for students from all courses, and not only science and information technology, to work in Scotland.
Even if it is passed, the new rule will not be applicable in other parts of the U.K.
Scotland has 13 new universities, four of which are in the capital, Edinburgh. "We particularly emphasise relevance of courses to employment," said Prof. McCarra. "Our students walk straight into jobs."
He pointed out that under the current regulations, students might work part-time alongside their studies.
"Research has shown that part-time work for 10 hours a week or less improves academic performance," said his colleague, Jane M. Oliver, university's International Officer.
They stressed that the fact that Britain has a minimum wage is an advantage for international students.
"An Indian student can be assured of a minimum of Rs. 350 per hour and can work up to 20 hours a week," said Prof. McCarra.
Akhila Seetharaman
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