A British High Commission statement said the new scheme is meant to prevent abuse of the system while making it easier for genuine students.
"Tougher entry criteria, limits on work entitlements and the closure of the post-study route were among the changes to the student visa system announced yesterday.
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The new system minimises abuse of the student immigration system but also builds on the "global reputation of the UK as a provider of high quality education," the statement said.
The changes announced yesterday will protect the interests of high quality Sri Lankan/Maldivian students wishing to study in the UK," UK Border Agency Regional Director, Chris Dix said.
"These changes are however bad news for all those students, institutions and unscrupulous agents who have tried to abuse the student visa route.
Under changes announced all UK education institutions that want to be sponsors will have to become 'Highly Trusted Sponsors' by April 2012, and become accredited by statu