Montgomery added that UK educational system policy changed earlier this year to curb the rate at which foreign students bring in dependents
By Kehinde Okeowo
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery has disclosed that only international students coming in for their Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies are qualified to bring in dependents to the United Kingdom.
He made this known in Abuja on Sunday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to the envoy, UK’s educational system policy changed earlier this year to curb the rate at which foreign students were bringing in dependents.
He went on to say the surge in dependence was putting an unsustainable pressure on many universities, necessitating the introduction of the new policy.
He further noted that universities Chancellors had complained about the huge student population and highlighted that it was leading to accommodation and health challenges.
He, however, added that the restrictions do not apply to all categories of students, saying those undertaking a long term research degree, like a PhD are not affected.
Speaking on the policy change,
Montgomery said: “Those coming to the UK for doctorate can still bring their dependency but if you are coming to the UK with a study visa for an undergraduate degree, or short term master’s degree am afraid the rules have been changed.
“People need to understand why this change was brought in, and it is a sensible change because we have a large higher education sector and most of these universities are in towns across the country.”