Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani and the British High Commissioner James David Bevan who was accompanied by Mr. Andrew Soper, Counsellor, on Tuesday, removal of the barriers on Indian students’ mobility was discussed. The minister stressed on the recognition of certifications of Indian education boards by British universities while keeping the visa norms “more facilitative in nature”. Irani also urged the British High Commissioner to see if the scores of the International English Language Test System (IELTS), needed for admissions in the UK, could be made valid for three years, which is currently valid for just one year. “Further, the scores of the English language test (IELTS) needed for admissions in British universities are currently valid only for one year and this should be extended for at least three years,” it added. The minister stressed that one of the basis for collaboration should be to remove barriers that hinder student mobility. Citing examples, she highlighted that while prestigious universities like Oxford recognise India’s CBSE certification, most other universities in the United Kingdom do not,” the HRD Ministry said in a statement. “Similarly, visa norms should be more facilitative in nature.” “Other areas of collaboration between the two countries that were discussed include partnering for the Massive Open Online Courses and the National e-Library being planned to be developed by India as well as sharing of expertise in the field of school education and teachers’ training,” the ministry said. Bevan said that Britain was looking forward to a new collaborative arrangement, which will focus on skills, leadership development and innovation. He also reiterated that the British government was keen to “further strengthen its collaboration with India” in the field of education and research. The minister also welcomed the visit being planned by Mr. David Willets, Minister for Universities and Science, Government of the United Kingdom, later this year, and stressed on such interactions which provide opportunities to further strengthen educational collaboration between the two countries.
Posted on: Sun, 26 Oct 2014 05:30:41 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015