I am Aakash Patel, from Ahmedabad, a third-year student of the BEng computer systems engineering programme at London Metropolitan University. London Met is a university which is affordable with good quality education. The campus is excellent with lots of facilities. The infrastructure of the university is great. I like the way the university is progressing every year with great libraries and improving the buildings etc. The university cares for the students in a great manner. I love my university, the way it teaches students and the way it provides facilities for the students.

When I first heard about the Highly Trusted Sponsor issue, I was in India for my holidays. I cut short my holidays and I came back as soon as possible to resolve the issue. It was very frustrating for me. My next plan of action is to work along with the students’ union to campaign against UK Border Agency to reverse the decision as it has affected genuine students who have a put a lot of effort and paid a large amount of fees to come to the UK to pursue their education. After going through this experience, my first suggestion to the Indian students coming to the UK would be to confirm the facts about the university, for example, if it is on the Highly Trusted Sponsor list. Also, think twice before coming to the UK and check if you have possibilities to go elsewhere.

UKBA to write to affected LMU students

The UK Border Agency has given guidance (updated September 28) for international students from outside the European Economic Area who are studying at or planning to study at London Metropolitan University:

“We have revoked (officially cancelled) London Metropolitan University’s licence to sponsor students from outside the EEA under Tier 4 of the points-based system. This means it can no longer sponsor students from outside the EEA with a Tier 4 visa,” it said. “However, we have agreed to allow existing genuine students to continue studying at the university until their course has ended or the end of the academic year, whichever is sooner — as long as they meet the right standards. But students who do not hold valid leave or do not meet our immigration criteria will not be allowed to stay.”

Key points
* This only affects  students from outside the EEA who are sponsored by the London Metropolitan University
* “We will give students time to make other arrangements. We are doing everything we can to support genuine students.”