Advisory for Indian Students seeking admission in UK [Do’s and Don’ts]:

I. Do’s

• Check the reputation, ranking, quality and background of institution/university in the UK. Student should conduct a thorough research before applying to UK institutions and universities, particularly to those that are relatively unknown.

• Choose UK Educational institutions carefully and as much as possible, get in touch with them directly or through their authorized agencies [http:www.ucas.ac.uk/] or if required may get in touch with the British High Commissions in India https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-high-commission-new-delhi/office/british-high-commission-new-delhi  .

• Check the Registry of Sponsors maintained by UK Border Agency to see if the institute/university has Highly Trusted Sponsor Status (HTS) and officially recognized.  If not, it is in the interest of students that they  should not select that institution/university. It is advised to visit the useful links: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/ or https://www.gov.uk/check-a-university-is-officially-recognised  or http://thepienews.com/list-private-colleges-suspended-home-office/ 

• Check the certificates/qualifications offered by the UK university/institute in terms of its international recognition, particularly in India. [https://www.gov.uk/recognised-uk-degrees]

• The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) website http://www.aiuweb.org/index.asp  may also be checked for details of recognition of foreign qualifications in India.

• Cross-check details published in newspaper advertisements or details mentioned by recruiting agents with the website of the concerned institution/university.

• Check the entry requirements of university/institute, fee structure, terms/conditions, deadlines etc. When accepted by the university/institution, check with the UK High Commission in Delhi or its Deputy High Commissions in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata respectively or their websites regarding visa requirements and other information concerning entry into the UK.

• Make sure that you have a written agreement or any guarantee of admission from the institution/university before paying any fees. This will be essential in case there is any dispute with the recruiting agencies/agents or institution/university.

• Read all contractual obligations, terms/conditions carefully and consult with friends/relatives/Indian student associations in the UK before taking a final decision and making any payments to the agencies or university/institution.

• Check UK’s weather and living conditions beforehand so as to have appropriate clothing and items.  The day-to-day living expenditure in UK is expensive so it is advisable to have sufficient money in hand before arrival to UK.  On arrival, register yourself with the High Commission of India and, if possible, with the national students association and students association at your educational institution.

• Accommodation, whenever possible, should be sought within the campus of the university/institution for obvious security reasons. Seek advice from the educational institutions housing department on appropriate areas to live in if you decide to live off campus. You may also contact the local students Associations(s) for similar advice.

• Indian Students arriving in the UK are to register themselves with the High Commission of India, London by following the link https://portal2.madad.gov.in/AppConsular/user/RegistrationBaseAction?request_locale=en  .

• The High Commission cannot provide any Protocol assistance to the National Overseas Scholarship awardees on their arrival in UK. The awardees have to make their own arrangements to reach their final destination in UK and to claim admissible bills in TA / DA later. Further, the monthly maintenance allowance only starts after the student establishes himself at his institution; the institution confirms the student’s enrolment and after the student opens bank account, etc. There is no provision of giving any cash amount on his arrival. The change of course for the awardees and extension of the period of tenure at the University is permissible only after sanction received from their parent Ministry. After completion of the course the awardees are requested to make their own bookings with Air India and High Commission will reimburse admissible amount.

• Participation in cross cultural events is important for speedy integration with the local students. Keep faculty/students welfare department informed about any racial discrimination or abuse.

• Indian Student Unions provide a unifying voice for students and offer opportunity to celebrate Indian culture collectively. Prominent Indian Student Unions/Associations across various UK universities can be found here .

• All the entries in the passport should be correct. Keep colored scanned copy of the main pages of the passport including UK Visa for reference in case of a missing passport. In addition, keep all other necessary documents with you.

• Upon loss of passport, you should file an immediate FIR with local police and then should approach the Indian High Commission/Consulate in UK of your jurisdiction for reissuance of passport facilities.

• In case of any serious issue or short of emergency, contact the local police and keep informed Education Wing of the High Commission of India, London, UK.
  
  
• While at home or at a party noise levels should be kept down. 

II. Don’ts:

• Do not enroll in any institutions/universities which are not recognized or offer a fast track programme as most of these are dubious.

• Avoid working off-campus without permission/authorization.

• Avoid carrying prohibited items such as drugs, weapons etc. Keep away from illegal activities.

  III. Personal safety:

UK is a safe and secure study destination and international students are welcome. However, as with anywhere you travel, you should take steps to keep yourself safe:

• Always tell someone when you are going out, where you are going and when you expect to return;

• Take care while travelling at night on your own. Make use of safe transport/bus/tube services where available;

• Never leave personal belongings unattended.  Always carry either a mobile phone, change for a pay phone or a phone card;

• It is always wise to take note of any security guidelines provided by your place of study.  Avoid giving your personal information to strangers.
  
  
• UK Department of Education has no jurisdiction over private colleges as they are independent businesses and the dispute, if any, has to be resolved by the two parties within the framework of their contract, terms/conditions.  

 IV. UK Visas:

• The UK has Five Tier Points based visa system for immigration to the UK. Post Study Work Visa sub-category under Tier-1 Visa (General) was introduced in 2008 to allow foreign students to apply to remain in the UK for a two-year period following completion of a degree or postgraduate degree in order to seek employment. Post Study Work Visa Scheme was officially closed by the UK Government from April 6, 2012 for all non-European Economic Area (EEA) students. As per the new rules, the length of the Student Visa (Tier 4) depends on the duration of the Course. A maximum of 4 additional months are granted at end of the one year or longer course i.e. Home Office grants Student Visa for the period of the course plus additional four months.

• UK Visa policies change from time to time so please keep a note on their announcements at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/tier-4-visas-immigration-rules-changes  .

• Students desiring to stay on in the UK for work after completion of the Course have to follow other schemes such as Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) or Tier 2 (Employment) for which the lowest annual salary required is GBP 20,800.

V. ATTENTION:  FRAUDS

• A number of incidents have come to the Attention of the High Commission involving fraudsters having telephonically cheated some Indian nationals by posing as officers from UK Home Office/ UK immigration/ UKBA. They extort money, claiming that mistakes were noticed in their passports, visa forms, immigration forms etc. The fraudsters asked for depositing money to have these mistakes rectified or else they will be deported or imprisoned in UK. These fraudsters have also falsely claimed that they received such information from the High Commission of India in London, British High Commission in New Delhi etc. It is clarified that High Commission does not send any such notifications to UK authorities. If there is any issue, the High Commission contacts the concerned Indian national/student, directly using the official email ID of the High Commission ending with @hcilondon.in.

• Indian students are advised not to entertain suspicious telephone calls and should never part with their money in response to such calls. You are further advised to immediately notify the local police and also report the matter online to Action Fraud  (www.actionfraud.police.uk ) or by calling Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. You may also notify about such calls to your University and to this High Commission at email ID: [email protected]

• Indian students and degree holders from UK universities are also advised to be extremely careful in their dealings with any individuals/organizations offering advice/services on immigration matters, further studies, post-study work experience etc. Several fraud cases have been brought to the attention of the High Commission. Indian students are strongly advised to make relevant applications directly with the UK Home Office and Trusted Tier 2 sponsor employers. Any suspicion or fraudulent activity should be immediately reported to the local police as well as to Action Fraud (www.actionfraud.police.uk) or by calling Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

VI. For matters relating to education/students, the following officer in the High Commission can be contacted: