Easier UK visas for master's students

LONDON - Britain's interior ministry, the Home Office, said on Dec 18 it plans to extend a streamlined visa processing program for international master's students. It follows a pilot project, now in its second year, at the universities of Oxford, Cambridge, Bath and Imperial College London.

The pilot program for international students looked at students wanting to study on a master's course of up to 13 months or less in the United Kingdom.

It also provides greater support for students who wish to switch to a work visa and take up a graduate role, by allowing them to remain in the UK for six months after they have finished their course.