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Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Beyond the Brochure: What to research before choosing a UK university
Choosing a university in the UK is one of the biggest decisions in a student's academic life. While glossy brochures, charismatic websites, and high rankings might be the starting point, the real insights lie much deeper. Especially for students from India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the broader South Asian and Southeast Asian regions, it's crucial to dig beyond surface-level information to make a smart, strategic, and sustainable choice. Not every degree leads to a career path that fits the UK's evolving immigration policy. With the Skilled Worker visa now focusing on high-skill jobs (RQF Level 6+), it's imperative to check whether the course aligns with roles currently in demand. This means more than just loving the subject; it means asking whether this subject can get you a job that meets UK visa eligibility requirements. ● Check the UK Shortage Occupation List ● Explore the Global Talent visa criteria ● Review Skilled Worker visa eligible job roles ● Ask universities for course-specific employment outcomes The Graduate Route visa, once valid for two years, has now been reduced to 18 months, even for PhD students. That's a narrow window to secure a job offer and employer sponsorship. ● Ask about the number of students who successfully transitioned to Tier 2 sponsorship. ● Research institutions with strong employer ties. ● Seek insights from alumni or local university representatives. Global rankings are helpful but not everything. Often, universities not in the "Top 100" worldwide may hold exceptional reputations within the UK, particularly in fields like healthcare, tech, and creative industries. These universities may offer: ● High placement rates. ● Integrated "sandwich" courses with built-in work placements. ● Inclusion on the UK's High Potential Individual (HPI) list. Studying in London may sound glamorous, but it comes with a heavy price tag. Cities like Nottingham, Worcester, Lancaster, and Birmingham can offer lower living costs without compromising job opportunities or quality of education. Also important: ● Budget realistically for accommodation, food, and transportation. ● Understand part-time work policies and whether your course schedule permits it. ● Look into evolving English language requirements and financial proofs for dependents. Many students applying to UK universities have never visited the country, and in some cases, have never been abroad. It's important to introspect and identify what matters most to you. Each city and campus comes with its own rhythm. While one student might thrive in a bustling city like London, another might feel more at home in the quiet, community-oriented atmosphere of Worcester. Making a list of what you value most safety, affordability, diversity, academic focus can help guide you toward the right fit. Universities like Sussex are not only globally recognised for Development Studies but also have strong research centres like the Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU) and the Centre for Global Health Policy. Similarly, NTU places more emphasis on subject-wise rankings and offers over 150 professionally accredited programmes. University life goes far beyond classrooms. Some things to research: ● Orientation and visa support services. ● Pre-sessional language programmes. ● Mental health and well-being services. ● Part-time job assistance. ● Financial and accommodation advice. For example, NTU has one of the UK's largest Employability teams, supporting students for up to three years after graduation. Sussex, on the other hand, is known for its sustainability-driven campus culture, mental health services, and community inclusivity. Don't just scroll through campus photos and ask the right questions: ● Are there active clubs, societies, or student unions? ● What kind of events have taken place in the last six months? ● Are guest lectures common? Who has been invited recently? ● What is the average class size, and how diverse are the classrooms? Universities like NTU offer over 200 clubs and societies, 60+ sports teams, and complimentary sports memberships, creating a well-rounded student life. Dig Deeper Into Faculty Credentials Beyond just course outlines, investigate: ● Who are the course directors and professors? ● Do they have real-world experience in their fields? ● How connected are they with the industry? For business school students, it's especially valuable to consider programmes that offer industrial placements over traditional dissertations. These real-world experiences can offer better employment outcomes. Connect directly with current students or recent alumni to get a sense of the actual experience. Ask about: ● Career services. ● On-campus job support. ● Realistic academic expectations. ● Life outside the classroom. Also, check who represents international students in the student union and how active they are in listening and responding to student needs. Policy changes don't happen in isolation. They affect everything from what you study to where you live and how your post-study life unfolds. Keeping track of these changes, attending university webinars, consulting in-country representatives, and engaging with platforms that decode UK immigration shifts are essential steps. In the end, choosing a university in the UK should be a well-researched, introspective, and future-facing decision. Go beyond the brochure. Your dream university might not just be the one with the most polished marketing, it's the one that fits your goals, budget, lifestyle, and career ambitions best. Because choosing where to study isn't just about where you go. It's about where it can take you next. (Author Aritra Ghosal is founder and CEO at OneStep Global. Views expressed are personal.)
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Gov. DeSantis signs Andy Lahera Act ensuring healthcare coverage for injured law enforcement officers
The Brief In May 2023, Citrus School Resource Deputy was critically injured when he was struck by a car. Worker's Compensation covered his injuries from the crash, but his health insurance was uncertain. Governor Ron DeSantis signed a new law that would provide full premium coverage to all officers injured in the line of duty. LECANTO, Fla. - A Citrus County deputy is at the center of a new Florida law. The Deputy Andy Lahera Law is aimed to provide healthcare coverage to law enforcement officers injured in the line of duty, who weren't covered before. The backstory Deputy Andy Lahera joined the Citrus County Sheriff's Office as a patrol deputy in 2009. He moved onto becoming a detective until the Parkland mass shooting. His wife, Michelle, said "...he had come home, and he sat the boys down and he said to them that he was going to apply to become a School Resource Officer. He said that he would make us have to be okay with it." Deputy Lahera became an SRO at Lecanto Middle School. In May 2023, he was on a detail, directing traffic outside of Lecanto High School when he was struck by a car. Deputy Lahera was left with a traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. RELATED:Critically injured Citrus County deputy honored for service amid family's health care concerns Michelle Lahera said ever since, he's been living at a post-acute rehab facility, working to reconnect his brain to the rest of his body. She explained, "We have our good days and we have our bad days. He's fighting. He's working hard. He's able to do things that he hadn't been able to previously. But for me, it's not as fast as I would like it to be." What they're saying Michelle Lahera said there's a gap for a subsection of officers injured in the line of duty like her husband. Worker's comp covers treatment related to the crash. But healthcare insurance beyond that is not guaranteed. "From the beginning, I said, I never wanted Andy to be forgotten, and I had to make sure that he would have insurance above what workers comp wouldn't cover for him," she explained. RELATED: Benefit held to help Pasco deputy injured in the line of duty As the law stood, injured officers were only guaranteed full premium insurance coverage if they were injured in a pursuit, emergency, or unlawful act committed by a criminal. FL House Rep. Judson Sapp was among three legislators behind the Andy Lahera bill that would provide full coverage to all officers injured in the line of duty. Sapp said, "Across the board, every single member up in Tallahassee was shocked that this already wasn't part of law. It was such a narrow law as to what constituted eligibility." On Tuesday, Governor DeSantis signed it into law. "So, we fixed something and sometimes the system works, and it worked this time and I'm just so proud that we got this across the finish line," Sapp explained. Click here to read more about the new law. Click here to follow Deputy Lahera's recovery journey. The Source This story was written with information gathered by FOX 13's Jennifer Kveglis. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter Follow FOX 13 on YouTube
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UK job market slowdown raises concerns for international students
The United Kingdom 's rising unemployment rate and shrinking job market are making it increasingly difficult for international students to find work after graduation. According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), unemployment rose to 4.6% between February and April 2025, the highest level since mid-2021. More than 109,000 payroll jobs were lost in May alone, marking the sharpest monthly drop in five years. Employers are becoming more cautious due to rising operational costs and economic uncertainty. Job vacancies have declined for the 35th consecutive quarter, falling by 63,000 to a total of 736,000 open positions across the country. These conditions are especially challenging for international students who plan to stay in the UK after completing their studies. Many rely on the Graduate Route visa , which offers up to two years to secure a job. However, with fewer opportunities and higher competition, securing a Skilled Worker visa—often required for long-term employment—has become harder. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2 Simple Profitable Strategies That Can Make You 5K Per Day thefutureuniversity Learn More ALSO READ: UK shouldn't repeat US mistakes with international students (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) In April 2025, employer contributions to National Insurance rose to 15% on salaries above £5,000, up from 13.8% on earnings over £9,100. The government also increased both the minimum wage and the national living wage. These changes have raised hiring costs, prompting businesses to reduce recruitment efforts. Even employers who previously supported international hiring are reconsidering due to financial pressure. Live Events Students aiming for careers in finance, technology, or media are finding it harder to access quality roles. ONS data also shows that wage growth, excluding bonuses, slowed to 5.2%—its lowest pace in seven months. For recent graduates, this means that entry-level salaries may no longer be enough to cover rising costs of living, particularly in major cities like London. Some graduates are taking jobs below their skill levels to maintain their visa status. Others are uncertain about their career paths, as a slowdown in hiring could delay or derail plans to gain UK work experience and build global careers. ALSO READ: UK's visa crackdown leaves city of London immigrants in limbo Although inflation has eased slightly to 3.4%, which could lead to interest rate cuts by the Bank of England, employers are still cautious. International students are being encouraged to explore alternative sectors, strengthen their skillsets, and engage with employers early. The UK remains a popular destination for education, but for many international students in 2025, the path to post-study employment is becoming more difficult to navigate.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Fewer jobs, higher hurdles: UK unemployment rise hits international students
The job market in the United Kingdom is showing clear signs of strain, and international students—once drawn to the country's promise of strong post-study prospects—are starting to feel the pressure. With unemployment rising to 4.6% between February and April 2025, the highest since the pandemic-era summer of 2021, the picture for graduates seeking jobs has grown significantly dimmer. Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics paint a sobering portrait: over 109,000 payroll positions vanished in May alone, the steepest drop in five years. Employers are growing cautious, shedding staff and halting recruitment as costs spiral. The number of job vacancies has now fallen for the 35th consecutive quarter, slipping by 63,000 to just 736,000 openings nationwide. For international students, who already navigate visa limits, sponsorship hurdles, and cultural adjustments, this downturn adds a new layer of complexity. Shrinking window of opportunity Each year, thousands of international students transition from study visas to the UK's Graduate Route, giving them up to two years to find work. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esta nueva alarma con cámara es casi regalada en Cordoba (ver precio) Verisure Undo But that window is closing faster in today's market. Fewer vacancies mean stiffer competition, and for many, the ultimate goal—a Skilled Worker visa—is becoming harder to reach. Companies are now more reluctant to take on new hires, especially those requiring visa sponsorship, amid growing financial pressures. The latest ONS data highlights a significant shift that came in April, when employer National Insurance contributions jumped to 15% on salaries over £5,000, up from the previous 13.8% above £9,100. At the same time, the government raised both the minimum wage and the national living wage, adding further strain to employers' bottom lines. As a result, even businesses with a history of hiring international graduates are now scaling back. When ambition meets economics For international students with high aspirations in finance, tech, or media, the labour market slump can feel like the rug being pulled out from under them. Even if jobs are available, slowing pay growth—down to 5.2% excluding bonuses (as shared by ONS), the weakest in seven months—means entry-level roles may no longer support rising rent and living expenses, especially in cities like London. Others face the risk of underemployment, taking roles far below their qualifications just to stay afloat. For those counting on UK experience to launch global careers, this could mean a detour—or even a dead end. Waiting for a turnaround As inflation levels edge down to 3.4% (ONS data, June 2025) , there is hope that the Bank of England may offer relief through future interest rate cuts. But with global trade policies shifting and domestic uncertainty lingering, confidence among UK employers remains shaky. In the meantime, international students are advised to diversify their job strategies—exploring sectors with higher hiring resilience, investing in upskilling, and engaging early with potential employers. Those still abroad and considering the UK for study might weigh their options more carefully in light of the current job market. The UK has long been seen as a launchpad for global careers. But for international students in 2025, the climb is getting steeper—and it may take more than a degree to reach the summit. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Is Scottish care sector at risk from immigration shake-up?
New immigration rules risk deepening Scotland's care sector crisis amid workforce shortages, writes Carolyn Bowie The UK Government's changes to immigration rules for care workers marks a significant shift for Scotland's health and social care sector. Whilst aimed at improving oversight and reducing exploitation, these new rules, along with further proposed restrictions, could intensify recruitment and compliance pressures on care providers already struggling with chronic workforce shortages. In February 2022, the Skilled Worker visa route was expanded to include care workers, triggering a rapid rise in overseas recruitment; numbers jumped from 37,000 in 2022 to 108,000 in 2023. Alongside this, 120,000 dependants also entered the UK, an imbalance that has prompted government action. Throughout 2024, the Home Office cracked down on care sector sponsors, revoking 1,494 licences, which was a significant shift from 337 in 2023. This left around 40,000 migrant workers in the UK without valid sponsorship, many of whom remain ready to rejoin the workforce if given the opportunity. (Image: Carolyn Bowie is a Principal Associate and Business Immigration specialist) Which 2024/2025 key reforms is the care sector already grappling with? Dependents Banned: From 11 March 2024, care workers are no longer allowed to bring dependents to the UK. The government argues this helps control net migration, eventhough it makes the UK a less attractive destination for skilled overseas carers. Mandatory CQC Registration: Care providers hiring via the Skilled Worker route must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). This aims to prevent unethical employers from exploiting workers, ensuring greater oversight. Rising Costs: From 9 April 2025, the Certificate of Sponsorship fee increased from £239 to £525. This cost cannot be passed on to the worker, adding financial pressure on employers. Application fees across immigration routes, including Skilled Worker visas and settlement, are also rising. Domestic Recruitment Priority: Care providers must now demonstrate attempts to hire from within the UK, especially among displaced international workers, before sponsoring new recruits from overseas. While intended to reduce dependency on foreign labour, it may hinder providers in areas with limited local applicants and put burden onto councils and carers. Minimum Salary Increased: The minimum salary for a Health and Care Visa has risen to £25,000, up from £23,200, to align with labour market conditions. White Paper proposals: What are we expecting? Ending Overseas Recruitment: Perhaps the most controversial proposal is the phased removal of the care worker route for new overseas applicants. If implemented, this would prevent care providers from sponsoring new migrant workers altogether, raising alarm in a sector already grappling with staff shortages. Limited Transition Period: Current overseas care workers will be allowed to remain, change sponsors, and apply for settlement under a three-year transition period; however, this timeframe, and the policy itself, will remain under review. Settlement Delayed: The time required to qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain may double, from five to ten years, for many care workers, impacting long-term workforce planning and staff retention. What employers should do now ■ Review Sponsorship Systems: Ensure full compliance with record-keeping, reporting, and monitoring duties. ■ Train HR Teams: Equip recruitment staff with up-to-date knowledge of immigration rules and processes. ■ Plan for Domestic Recruitment: Begin developing local training and recruitment pathways to reduce reliance on overseas workers where possible. ■ Audit Pay Structures: Ensure staff salaries meet the updated minimum thresholds. ■ Engage Sponsored Staff: Hold discussions with current employees about their status and future options. The challenges ahead? These reforms underscore the government's commitment to reducing net migration and curbing visa misuse. However, the new restrictions carry significant risks for care providers; tighter eligibility criteria, higher costs and more administrative burdens, all at a time of high demand for care workers. Smaller providers may be disproportionately affected, lacking the resources to navigate complex compliance demands or absorb the additional costs; this could affect thousands in care. The UK's evolving immigration policy represents a turning point for health and social care. Whilst efforts to improve standards and support domestic recruitment are welcome, a blanket reduction in overseas recruitment risks destabilising a sector already under pressure; this could directly impact the quality (and quantity) of care received by reliant on care provision. A more balanced approach, supporting ethical international hiring alongside investment in local skills, will be essential to sustaining care services in Scotland and across the UK. Carolyn Bowie is a Principal Associate and Business Immigration specialist with leading national law firm, Weightmans
