Home office to help student job seekers

In a speech last week, the UK’s home secretary announced that from April 2013, all international PhD students will be allowed to remain in the country for one year to find work or start a business after their course has finished. The minister also confirmed that there is currently no cap on the number of student visas and no plans to introduce one.

The move to encourage skilled PhD students to stay in the country has been welcomed by Wendy Piatt, director general of the Russell Group of universities. ‘It is welcome news that PhD graduates will be able to stay on for 12 months after they have finished their studies to find skilled work or set up as an entrepreneur. These students are some of the very brightest in the world who have spent years acquiring valuable qualifications and skills which we need for growth,’ said Piatt in a statement. ‘Our universities’ world-class teaching and research is a major draw for top talent. Ministers can also play a vital role by continuing to send the message that the UK is open to the brightest and the best international students and academics.’