Study in UK: What changes?
Fee reduction
Reduction in the maximum fee that universities can charge for classroom-based foundation year courses. It will be reduced from £9,250 (approximately Rs 9,93,853) at present to £5,760 (Rs 6,18,875).
Drop foundation courses
A year of foundation courses is usually required for study in medicine and veterinary sciences but this has been found to be not necessary for studies in subjects like business. Foundation courses will be discontinued for business.
New T-level vocational courses
New T Level courses will be introduced. The T Levels are equivalent to 3 A Levels (advanced level) or the United Kingdom national curriculum school-leaving qualifications. A T Level will focus on vocational skills only. These skills can help students get into employment, higher study or apprenticeships. Each of these T Levels will include an in-depth 45-day industry placement.
Higher technical qualifications
Higher technical qualifications or HTQs will be emphasised. The approved HTQs are new Level 4 and Level 5 qualifications approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, in the UK. There are different types of HTQs which include:
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Higher national diplomas
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Higher national certificates
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Foundation degrees
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Higher education diplomas
Both T-Level and HTQ programmes will help in establishing a network of 21 Institutes of Technology (IoTs). The IoTs are collaborations between further education (FE) providers, universities and employers. The employers will be responsible for framing the curriculum of a particular programme and making decisions.
Indian students mostly opt for STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) subjects and subjects which teach them about businesses. But there are many who are looking at immigration and opt for the study abroad route.
Apprenticeships along with traditional degrees, The Universities and College Admission Service or UCAS will be expanded to allow students to apply for apprenticeships along with traditional degrees. This, the government says, will benefit young people.
Skills training
The UK government will help students and employers with a range of training options to help bridge the skill gaps.
