Date:25/08/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/08/25/stories/2006082503850600.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

UK varsities may offer joint degrees with Indian universities

Staff Reporter

Farewell for students going to England

CHENNAI : Universities in the United Kingdom will explore the possibility of offering joint degrees with Indian universities, said Mike Connor, British Deputy High Commissioner in Southern India, at a farewell function for students departing for the U.K. on Wednesday.

"The U.K. visa section has made it easier and more efficient for students to get visas to go to universities there. We have a dedicated team for student applicants," Mr. Connor said.

"We also want to see more British students coming to Indian universities''. This would facilitate exchange programmes, he said.

Consultants dealing with overseas education felt the number of students going to the U.K. would increase rapidly in the coming years. "With banks becoming more liberal with student loans, affordability is no longer a major concern," said P. Sreedharan, managing director, Mancomp Professional Services.

Range of specialisations

He said the wide range of specialisations offered in U.K. universities attracted students. Several scholarships were also offered to deserving candidates.

"Chevening scholarships awarded to scholars every year amount to 1.5 million pounds," A. J. Solomon, manager, education projects (South India), British Council, said.

Vamsi Krishna, a consultant physiotherapist from Andhra Pradesh, would pursue Applied Physiotherapy in Sheffield Hallam University.

He worked at a hospital in Tirupati for two years. "I am eagerly looking forward to the experience, as I have heard so much about the university," he said.