The Government today announced how the new UK visa system for students will operate from spring 2009.

English UK has today sent out to all its 376 members a 10-page note of interpretation and guidance on the new visa system and on applying to be on the Register of Sponsors.

Tony Millns, English UK’s chief executive, said: “Only language centres accredited by an approved accrediting body such as Accreditation UK can apply to be on the Register of Sponsors. And only organisations on the Register can issue a ‘confirmation of acceptance for studies’, a unique reference number which students must have to apply for a full student visa. So non-accredited centres will no longer be able to enrol student who need visas next year. This is good news for the accredited English language sector, which brings more than 350,000 students to the UK each year to learn English, generating around £1.5 billion in foreign earnings for the country. The low-quality and sometimes frankly bogus non-accredited colleges damage the reputation of the UK for providing a quality education, and that reputation is our key selling point abroad. There are many details of the system to be sorted out before it comes into operation, but we are pleased to have been closely involved by the Home Office in the design of the system and we will continue to work with the Home Office and the UK Border Agency on how it will be implemented over the next seven to eight months.”

StudyWorld London 2008 will take place in the Hilton London Metropole hotel from Monday 8 - Wednesday 10 September. 

StudyWorld London is the event for study abroad professionals – where the best educators meet the best agents and educational consultants. Participate in StudyWorld London and meet over 250 quality accredited schools, colleges and universities from around the world. Visit the StudyWorld London 2008 website for full details: http://www.studyworldfair.com/london08

If you have not yet received information on how to register, please contact the StudyWorld team: info@studyworldfair.com

A record for this stage of over 200 educators have booked to attend StudyWorld London with 55% of the membership already represented. Currently 143 individual agents from 36 countries have registered to attend, with new bookings arriving every day through the new online agents booking system. We expect the event this year to reach full capacity, so if you have yet to book and would like to be there, then you need to book soon!

For an application form or educators’ enquiries please contact Indy Priestman: indy@studyworldfair.com

For any questions concerning agents please contact Siobhan Baccas: siobhan@studyworldfair.com

To coincide with moving the Fair from Brighton to London, a new website has now been launched for StudyWorld London. The website will be regularly updated with comprehensive information on all aspects of the Fair, and includes an online booking facility for agents and exhibitors. Educators already booked for the Fair will be able to complete their additional requirements form online for the first time.

Once registered to attend, participants will receive a personalised password to access the secure login area, which contains access to eSchedule PRO accounts and confidential information such as floor plans and information on other participants.

www.studyworldfair.com

A record 146 educators have taken advantage of the discounted Advance Early Bird rates. The Advance Early Bird deadline (available to educators only) closed on Monday 18 December 2006. (more…)