Film encourages talented Indian students to study in the UK

UK universities have launched a new film aimed at helping the most talented Indian students better understand the process of applying to the UK’s world-leading universities.

The project is a unique collaboration between UK universities, including Northumbria University, the British Council in Delhi and the Home Office to follow current students as they embark on their journey to study in the UK.

The film will be made available to Indian students and their families via You Tube and through links from UK university websites, as well as from those of partner organisations. A link to the film will also be provided from the official Home Office website.

Both students - Arshi Aggarwal and Angesh Anupam - featured in the film are now successfully studying in the UK.

Arshi, 25, from New Delhi said: "I would really like to encourage other international students just like me to come and study here in the UK – people are extremely warm and welcoming, which has really helped to make the transition of leaving my family and friends a lot easier. Also, the application process was pretty smooth for me – I did not encounter any issues while seeking admission or after the process."

Made by award-winning Indian filmmaker Ravi Lekhi, the film was directed by Nicola Carslaw, an experienced BBC journalist, and commissioned by The University of Sheffield. The video will be used by the British Council at education fairs and events across India as well as made available on You Tube and it is hoped it will be widely shared by student themselves via social media.

Nicola Dandridge, Chief Executive of Universities UK, said: “This is a great way of showing, to the many students around the world who want to study in the UK, how the process works and how it can become a reality.

“Prospective international students, and their parents, hear a lot of myths about the application process and the UK's student visa system. Through these real life examples, they get a first-hand account of how the process actually works.

“UK universities remain extremely attractive to international students, so it is vital that we provide a warm welcome and ensure that visa and immigration rules are properly understood. International students make an extremely valuable contribution to the UK, both academically and financially.”

UK universities and organisations have committed to linking to the film on their websites, including universities with longstanding relations with India including Northumbria University, CASS Business School, Leeds, Liverpool, Sheffield, SOAS, UCL, Warwick, and York.

The Indian student application film is available at www.weareinternational.org.uk.

Date posted: November 18, 2013