Oxford's Global Prestige in jeopardy

Oxford's University global prestige as a world leader in higher education is in danger because of cutting down of funds and restrictions imposed on international students. Andrew Hamilton, Oxford Vice-Chancellor said that, "Talented and skilled graduates were tempted by better financial support abroad for research jobs".

He also added that the visa restrictions imposed on students is threatening the academic health of the university. All the leading UK universities are also facing a similar problem. He also added that, "if disadvantage is not addressed the UK higher education sector will increasingly lose out to its international competitors in the recruitment of the best students and academics". Funding is the only big reason as why those to whom we make offers turn us down.

Universities based in US offer a five year financial package to overseas students whereas at Oxford University only half of graduates received full scholarships for post-graduate study. In July, The Higher Education Funding Council for England has terminated its research student's awards scheme, which had provided £1.5m to support overseas graduates at Oxford.

Restrictions in visa rules is also putting limits on the number of international academics and it will also pose some serious risks on the prestige of universities- both in terms of scholarships and economics.

Source: Richha Bhatnagar (Shiksha Team)