A strict new system to crack down on bogus colleges and fraudulent applications from foreign students has so far screened out almost a half of applications from independent schools, colleges and universities. Institutions have to register with the UK Border Agency before they are allowed to sponsor international students to come here under the student tier (tier 4) of Britain's tough new points-based system. UK Border Agency so far has allowed around 1700 universities and colleges operating in the UK to recruit international students

UK Border Agency has confirmed that phase 3 of Tier 4 of the points-based system for immigration is set to go live on the 5 October 2009.

Phase 3 is the voluntary trialling period of the sponsorship management system (SMS) for Tier 4 sponsors. This trial period allows sponsors to continue using visa letters whilst gradually adopting the use of the sponsorship management system to issue confirmations of acceptance for studies prior to them becoming mandatory in February 2010.

Between 5 October 2009 and February 2010, sponsors will be able to issue confirmations of acceptance for studies, visa Letters, or a combination of both to would-be students applying from within the United Kingdom. Would-be students applying from outside of the United Kingdom will be required to continue to apply with a visa letter until February 2010.

The Swedish government suggests that tuition fees be introduced from the academic year 2011-2012 for citizens from NON-EU countries.

Under the current system, tuition fees for university education are fully subsidized by the government, for both Swedish and international students.

The Ministry for Higher Education recently confirmed that the proposal also includes an expanded scholarship system, offering additional scholarship opportunities for applicants from NON-EU countries.

Students who have started a course or study program before the introduction of tuition fees would not be charged tuition fees for the duration of the course or study program in question. In other words, students who have started a program in 2010 will not be affected by the fees, even if they participate in a program that spans over 2011, or longer.

The amount of fee will be dicided upon its formal introductiion by the Swedish Government

On 20 August 2009, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship announced the strengthening of checks on student visa applications to prevent fraud and ensure students have the financial capacity to live and study in Australia.

As one of the measures to strengthen integrity, the department will be strengthening checks around parts of the student visa case load in India, Mauritius, Nepal, Brazil, Zimbabwe and Pakistan.

All Student visa applicants are subject to standard immigration checks which include health, character and security checks. In addition, all applicants for a Student visa must show that they have a genuine intention to enter Australia for the purpose of study. The evidence required to meet this requirement varies according to the level of immigration risk of the visa applicant, which is determined based on objective data. All Student visa applicants must meet certain financial, English language proficiency and other requirements (including educational attainment).

The department routinely seeks further information to verify the evidence provided with visa applications. The precise checks to be undertaken will be determined on a case by case basis. This will include face to face, or phone interviews for some applicants.

From 1 August 2009 all student visa applications for citizens of Pakistan and Afghanistan (living in Afghanistan, Pakistan or New Zealand) will be processed by the Adelaide Offshore Student Processing Centre (AOSPC).

Student visa applications lodged from 1 August 2009 will have to be lodged direct to the AOSPC.

Student visa applications given to the Australian High Commission in Islamabad on or after 1 August 2009 will not be accepted and will be returned for lodgment direct to the AOSPC.

 Student Tier 4 applications – The maintenance funds must be in bank accounts for at least 28 days from 1 October 2009. The amounts required to meet the maintenance criteria must be held in your personal or your parents / legal guardian’s bank account for a minimum period of 28 days prior to making your visa application.

The new immigration fees announced on 20 January and 10 February 2010 will be 199 pounds that becomes 25,500 PKR and would be implemented from Tuesday 6 April 2010 for all those applying to study, visit, work in or stay in the UK.

All potential Tier 4 students applying from inside or outside the UK must use a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) in their application. All applications that do not contain a CAS will fall for refusal. You will need to provide all potential students with a CAS reference number and your sponsor licence number (SLN).

According to the new policy set by UKBA, all the students coming to UK for studies in an undergraduate program, diploma or certificate are allowed only 10 hours per week for working. But the postgraduate course students can work for 20 hours a week