ISLAMABAD, Feb 19: The United Kingdom has introduced a new point-based system to assess applications for grant of student visa. The system will come into practice from March.

Speaking at a press conference here on Thursday, Britain’s Deputy High Commissioner Ray Kyles told media persons that the system had been introduced to streamline visa application process for Pakistani students.

Under the new system, a student needs to have 40 points to qualify for the grant of the visa. A student would require an acceptance letter from the educational institution he/she intends to attend. The respective educational institution would become the sponsor for the student, who would fetch 30 points. For the remaining 10 points, a student would have to show evidence for having enough finances to cover his/her course fee and monthly living expenses for one year.

Mr Kyles said with the required documents attached to the visa application, the high commission would respond back to the prospective student within one month. Otherwise, an applicant would have the right to inquire about his/her application.

“Since we need one month for processing a visa application, therefore, students are advised to apply keeping this time limit in their mind,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, British Council Pakistan Director Sue Beaumont said they were increasingly working on a number of projects to further strengthen educational institutions in Pakistan.

With every passing year, academic and research partnership between British and Pakistani universities is deepening. More scholarships are available to Pakistani students to study in the UK, and efforts are also being made for teachers training in Pakistan, she added.

At present, 21 PhD students are being funded by the British Council on attachments to the UK universities to enable them broaden their experience of research techniques.

During 2009, there will be 10 talented research exchanges in which British and Pakistani researchers will work together on exciting projects that will enhance their contribution to and understanding of international research priorities.